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  • John Doe’s “Dynamic+” Order is Secured by ZEE Entertainment to Safeguard Digital Privacy

    For protection against digital privacy, the Delhi high court has issued a “Dynamic+” John Doe order to ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. Without requiring repeated court approvals, this order will allow Zee to take action against websites that are unlawfully streaming its content, including films, TV series, and Zee OTT programming.

    Interestingly, a John Doe order is a court order that permits an individual or organisation to pursue action against an unnamed person or group. “John Doe” serves as a stand-in for the unidentified individual who is being accused of misconduct. Under this arrangement, Zee can immediately alert internet service providers, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to block websites that violate the law as soon as they are discovered. As a result, anti-piracy measures can be enforced more quickly and without the delays that come with regular judicial procedures.

    Piracy Protection to Zee’s Entire Entertainment Library

    Beyond the customary emphasis on live events, the decision also extends protection against piracy to Zee’s whole entertainment collection. First, the court ordered 103 websites that were streaming Zee’s content without permission to be blocked. With the most recent Asia News International (ANI) lawsuit against Netflix and the creators of the show “Watch IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” for claimed copyright and trademark infringement. The Indian entertainment industry has experienced an increase in copyright infringement claims recently.

    ANI claimed in its appeal that the Netflix programme featured video of General Parvez Musharraf, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and other people without a licence. In other news, Zee cancelled the $1.4 billion TV sub-licensing agreement with Disney Star for the 2024–2027 International Cricket Council (ICC) competitions.

    Dynamics of Dynamic+

    To combat the “hydra-headed” nature of copyright infringement, the Delhi High Court introduced the Dynamic+ injunction in August 2023. The order, which was proposed by Justice Pratibha Singh, safeguards copyrighted works that have already been generated as well as those that have not yet been. Following lawsuits against 16 pirate websites by studios like Universal, Netflix, and Disney, the decision was made. Judge Singh underlined that disregarding these illegitimate websites hinders innovation and results in financial losses. The Dynamic+ order streamlines enforcement without requiring recurrent court filings by protecting future content, in contrast to typical dynamic injunctions that target existing infringements.

    Justice Singh listed the traits of rogue websites, including anonymous ownership, repeated violations, and the hosting of unlawful advertisements. Some encouraged unapproved content sharing over Telegram, while others avoided earlier injunctions by using “alphanumeric variations.” Notably, websites with altered domains that had previously been prohibited in other instances, such as TamilMV and Vegamovies, resurfaced. These activities violated IT legislation by discouraging legitimate subscription models and profiting from advertisements. The court issued a thorough Dynamic+ order to stop these actions, siding fully with the studios.

    TRAI Proposes Censorship for OTT Apps: A Regulatory Move
    India’s telecom regulator TRAI pushes for structured control over OTT apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, for security concerns and fair competition.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • 500 Workers will be Laid Off by Ola Electric Due to Controversies and Subpar Performance

    The electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric has restructured to reduce its workforce by roughly 500 employees due to concerns about its losses and after-sales service issues. According to the media, the exercise would affect workers at all levels and in all departments. In order to become profitable, the company managed by Bhavish Aggarwal wants to increase operational efficiency by cutting down on redundancies. 

    Employees from all departments will be impacted by the continuing exercise. The goal is to reduce costs in order to increase margins and profitability. According to additional sources, there is no deadline for finishing the exercise. In the second quarter of the current fiscal year, Ola Electric reported a net loss of INR 495 Cr (Q2 FY25). Although the year-over-year (YoY) loss decreased by 5.5%, it increased by 43% from INR 347 Cr in the first quarter of FY25. Ola Electric stated in its quarterly investor presentation that it would prioritise enhancing its bottom line through margin gain investments. Aggarwal, the business’s founder and CEO, stated during a post-earnings call that the company anticipates maintaining a steady operating expense level or possibly a modest decrease over the following two quarters. He said that as the business expands its distribution, revenue would continue to rise and operational costs will essentially remain the same or possibly decrease over the coming quarters. 

    Current Workforce and Financial Dynamics of Ola Electric

    By the end of FY24, Ola Electric had more than 4,000 employees on the payroll, according to its red herring prospectus. In Q2 FY25, the company invested INR 139 Cr in its workforce, a 23% YoY and 13% quarter-over-quarter increase. It’s important to remember that in June of this year, it was reported that Ola Electric intended to reduce its employment by 400–500 employees in an effort to streamline its business before going public.

    Additionally, within the past two years, it has carried out comparable reorganisation operations twice. The most recent exercise takes place during a period of months in which Ola Electrics’ stock has been steadily declining. On November 21, the company’s shares fell more than 12% from their listing price of INR 75.99 to a new all-time low of INR 66.85.

    Ola’s Tug of War with Government’s Agencies

    Growing complaints regarding the company’s e-scooters coincide with the stock’s downturn. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) reportedly began a thorough inquiry into the company’s customer complaints last week. Ola Electric received a show-cause notice from the CCPA last month in response to user concerns.

    After that, the business reported that 99.1% of the 10,644 complaints had been settled to the full satisfaction of the client. According to reports in November, the CCPA determined that Ola Electric’s assertions were untrue.

    Telangana Gig Workers Demand State-Owned Ride-Hailing Platform
    The gig workers’ union in Telangana is urging the government to launch a state-run ride-hailing service to ensure fair pay and improved working conditions.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Paytm UPI Now Works in UAE, France, and Singapore

    Owned by One97 Communications Limited (OCL), Paytm, the leader in digital payments in India, has extended its offerings to include international Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.

    Paytm users may now use the UPI system to make easy cashless payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal, facilitating safe and transparent transactions with foreign retailers who use UPI.

    How it Operates Internationally?

    Travellers can use the Paytm app to instantly activate the international UPI service. A one-time activation connected to the user’s bank account is necessary for the setup. The app will immediately direct users to enable the service when they scan a UPI-enabled QR code overseas. 

    Depending on the length of their travel, customers can designate a usage term, from one day to ninety days, to maintain control and security. In order to prevent unintentional payments to overseas merchants, the feature also permits deactivation upon return to India. Before completing transactions, users are also fully informed about bank conversion costs and exchange rates. 

    How it can Benefit the Travellers?

    By enabling cashless payments for dining or shopping, the international UPI service streamlines spending at well-known locations across the globe. As leaders in mobile payments, Paytm is excited to provide its services to Indian tourists, particularly as the holiday season draws near, a Paytm representative stated. The company’s dedication to empowering users anywhere in the world is demonstrated by this invention. 

    Paytm’s this Year’s Performance

    After the decline brought on by the Reserve Bank of India‘s (RBI) action against Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm is confident that it is back on track. As income increased sequentially, the corporation is credited with reviving the revenue trend. Due to tax ramifications associated with the one-time gain that won’t be evident for several months, it is now unclear whether Paytm’s performance in Q2 has improved over Q1. During the Q2 FY25 earnings call, however, CFO Madhur Deora and founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma were eager to discuss how Paytm can return to actual profitability.

    The default loan guarantee mechanism in the merchant lending industry took up a large portion of the call. In addition, Sharma asserted that the AI-led efficiency and productivity push and the cross-selling approach received some attention and should lessen Paytm’s need for hiring. As reported by media agencies, Paytm would reimburse its bank or NBFC lending partners for any losses resulting from defaults in its loan portfolio up to a predetermined proportion of the total amount disbursed under a default loan guarantee (DLG), also known as a first loss default guarantee (FLDG).

    NPCI Approves Phi Commerce’s UPI Switch for Seamless Payments
    The NPCI has approved Phi Commerce’s UPI switch, paving the way for enhanced payment solutions and seamless transaction processing.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, Updates on his Odd Employment Offer

    Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reacted to social media on 21 November to clarify that charging people INR 20 lakh was never part of the strategy, and he hoped that ‘paying the company to get a job’ would not become the standard. This came a day after Goyal posted an unusual job vacancy for his Chief of Staff.

    Goyal revealed that over 18,000 individuals had applied for the position before announcing the application closing in a post on X. This was no ordinary job posting. According to Goyal, “You have to pay us 20 lacs (sic)” was just used as a filter to identify those who were capable of appreciating the chance for a fast-track career without becoming constrained by external factors, as some individuals noted.

    Goyal reaffirmed that charging INR 20 lakh was never part of the plan while sharing a screenshot of his chat with a user on X. “We will not eventually ask for 20 lacs (sic) and pay the right person anyway,” he remarked during the conversation.

    Focus on Selecting the Right Person

    Goyal went on to say that the whole idea was to turn down the majority of applications that had a financial objective. He went on to say that the majority of applications from those who have money or have even discussed money will be rejected by the company. From the plethora of applications it has received, the firm will identify sincere intent and a learning attitude. 

    Goyal asserted that “money is an essential thing to keep people’s lives running,” saying that he thinks it’s important to pay more than the going rate in order to prevent money from getting in the way of excellent work. He added that during the course of the following week, the company will analyse the submissions and get in touch with the applicants they felt would be the best fit for the company.

    How this Entire Episode Started?

    “Anything and everything to build the future of Zomato (including Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India)” was the job description Goyal posted on X on November 20th for his “Chief of Staff.” Working with some of the most intelligent people in consumer technology, he said the position would provide “ten times more learnings than a two-year degree from a top management school.” “This role is not a conventional role with the usual perks that such jobs come with,” Goyal said.

    “There is no salary for this role for the first year,” Goyal stated when asked about pay details. In actuality, you will need to spend INR 20 lakh for this chance. If you are given the position and accept it, Feeding India will receive a direct gift in the amount of this “fee.”

    Instead of applying for a fancy, well-paying job that would make you look cool in front of yourself or the people you want to impress, Goyal advised applicants to apply just for the learning opportunity it offers.

    Zomato Delists Single-Dish Restaurants from Its Platform
    Zomato has delisted single-dish restaurants from its platform, aiming to enhance customer experience and maintain quality standards.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • The Government Announces Updated Forex Regulations for Startups

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the updated Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2024, to make it easier for startups to conduct business. The November 19 modifications open the door for the updated FX rules to incorporate the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s (DPIIT) 2019 decision on the amended definition of startups.

    With regard to opening foreign currency bank accounts for DPIIT-recognised startups, the new regulations, known as the Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Currency Accounts by a Person Resident in India) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, are intended to streamline the procedure and eliminate any confusion among authorised dealer banks.

    Reason For the Amendment

    In the past, a company could only be classified as a startup if it had a turnover of less than INR 25 Cr and for a maximum of five years. DPIIT’s 2019 notification, however, raised the turnover cap to INR 100 Cr under the liberalised system and loosened the threshold to ten years from the date of formation. More DPIIT-recognized startups will be able to create and maintain interest-bearing accounts in Indian Rupees or foreign currency as a result of these changes, which will also be reflected in the updated forex regulations.

    The DPIIT has more than 1.5 lakh registered startups. Startups that register with the agency are eligible for a number of benefits, such as tax deductions, reduced compliance requirements, and temporary immunity from labour law inspections. For ease of doing business, it is important to remember that earlier this year, the Budget 2024–25 recommended harmonising the concept of a “startup” across multiple laws.

    Foreign Exchange Management Act

    In order to facilitate foreign exchange payments and trade with other countries, the Indian government replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973 with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in 1999. For a variety of reasons, such as receiving and paying foreign currency, purchasing and transferring real estate outside of India, opening and maintaining foreign currency accounts, and investing in overseas businesses, FEMA compliance is required for Indian startups that deal in foreign exchange.

    According to Mayank Arora, Regulatory Director at Nangia Andersen India, the recent change to the FEM (Foreign Currency Accounts by a Person Resident in India) Regulations is consistent with the DPIIT’s most recent notification, which aims to standardise the definition of a startup.

    The RBI’s Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, added a new clause that permits authorised dealers in India to open and manage interest-bearing accounts in foreign currencies or Indian Rupees for non-resident individuals.

    NPCI Approves Phi Commerce’s UPI Switch for Seamless Payments
    The NPCI has approved Phi Commerce’s UPI switch, paving the way for enhanced payment solutions and seamless transaction processing.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • CBIC Chairman Inaugurates GST & Customs Pavilion with the Theme “Facilitating Trade, Fostering Economy” at the 43rd India International Trade Fair in New Delhi

    Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) along with Members of the CBIC Board inaugurated the GST & Customs Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024, in New Delhi, today. The theme of the GST & Customs Pavilion is “Facilitating Trade, Fostering Economy”, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to support trade and boost the economy.

    This pavilion aims to provide a platform for taxpayers to learn about GST and Customs processes, resolve grievances, and gain insights into career opportunities in the Customs and GST Department. The pavilion features six helpdesks with onsite availability of experts on GST, Customs, GST Network, and ICEGATE, to ensure that the visitors get comprehensive guidance on these issues.

    GST & Customs Pavilion Inauguration at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), New Delhi
    GST & Customs Pavilion Inauguration at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), New Delhi

    Some of the key features of the pavilion include:

    • ⁠Educational Videos: Six videos on GST and Customs processes have been released to enhance taxpayer awareness. Most importantly, the tutorial videos have been released in 10 regional languages, besides Hindi and English.
    • Helpdesks: Six helpdesks are available to address taxpayer queries and provide guidance on rules and processes. Taxpayers can visit the pavilion to resolve their queries and doubts on the spot.
    • Career Guidance: A special counter is set up to guide youth about career opportunities in the Customs and GST Department.
    • ⁠Digital Displays: The pavilion showcases achievements and initiatives of the GST and Customs department through interactive digital displays.
    • To engage and entertain the visitors, the Pavilion will also spread awareness through Nukkad Natak, Magic Show, Puppet Show, QUIZ, Caricature Artist informative brochures on GST and Customs, and other activities to attract children.

    Also in the first, CBIC introduced Red Panda as the official mascot to represent the GST & Customs at the India International Trade Fair 2024. The Red Panda embodies the values of duty, precision, and trust — Red Panda’s dual nature, gentle yet strong, reflects the mission of the CBIC to balance delicacy with strength and ensure the free flow of trade while maintaining vigilant oversight.

    How To Register For GST online | A Complete Guide For GST Registration Process Online
    Don’t know how to register for GST online? Registering for a GST may seem confusing, just follow our step-by-step guide on how to register for GST online. Read more on GST registration process online
    StartupTalkyArbaz Sayed

  • The NPCI Approves Phi Commerce’s UPI Switch

    The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has certified Phi Commerce, a fintech digital payment company, to provide UPI Switch to its business clients, mainly to maintain high transaction volumes. 

    Phi Commerce will be able to onboard enterprise customers more quickly thanks to UPI Switch, which will cut down on the turnaround time that comes with the current bank-driven approach for onboarding new clients. This will help their business clients to launch goods and services more quickly than they could in the past by allowing them to provide a wide variety of payment alternatives to their clients virtually instantly. 

    It will Help NPCI to Achieve its Goal

    UPI Switch is a vital tool that will assist NPCI in reaching its ambitious goal of one billion transactions per day within the next three to five years, according to Rajesh Londhe, co-founder and head of payments at Phi Commerce. By distributing traffic over several servers, UPI switches shorten processing times and avoid system overloads.

    By distributing the load among several servers, UPI Switch assists during periods of high demand when individuals scramble to make payments. It’s similar to adding more checkout lanes to a grocery store during peak hours to speed up traffic. Londhe continued, “In this manner, users experience speedy, effective transactions without delay.”

    Offering Enterprises Omnichannel Payment Solutions

    Businesses may use Phi Commerce’s omnichannel payment solutions to make payments easy and flexible from any consumer touchpoint, including browsers, smartphones, in-store, and remote. Phi Commerce, a Reserve Bank of India-licensed payment aggregator payment gateway (PAPG), provides a single omnichannel digital payment platform that meets the needs of businesses globally in terms of both B2B and B2C payments.

    The UPI Switch feature facilitates simple integration and provides risk management tools, on-premises or cloud-based architecture, and round-the-clock maintenance and support for dependability and uptime.

    Unified Payment Stack Solution

    UPI Switch is a unified payment stack solution that supports all other services that the NPCI has rolled out so far, including credit card linkages, recurring requirements, UPI Auto Pay, and quick refunds. As processing time decreases significantly, this add-on solution will also assist corporate clients in lowering their operating expenses while enhancing overall productivity and customer satisfaction. 

     In addition to controlling traffic, this function uses real-time fraud monitoring algorithms to keep an eye out for any odd or suspicious transactions. 

    With reaction times of less than a second, UPI switches manage billions of transactions. Additionally, it facilitates API-based interfaces, which allow for communication with a range of fintech platforms and financial institutions.

    What is NCPI?

    In order to establish a strong Payment & Settlement Infrastructure in India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) launched the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an umbrella organisation for running retail payments and settlement systems in India, in accordance with the terms of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

    Given the usefulness of its goals, NPCI was established as a “Not for Profit” company in accordance with Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013). Its goal is to supply infrastructure for both electronic and physical payment and settlement systems for the whole Indian banking system. In order to increase operational efficiency and expand the reach of payment systems, the company is committed to implementing technological advancements in retail payment systems.

    ICICI Bank Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, Citibank N. A., HSBC, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Bank of India are the ten primary promoter banks. In order to integrate additional banks from all industries, the shareholding was expanded to 56 member institutions in 2016. New RBI-regulated organisations, including payment banks, small finance banks, and payment service operators, were introduced in 2020. In accordance with the relevant requirements of the Companies Act of 2013, the shares were distributed in accordance with the issuance of equity shares on a private placement basis.

    RBI to Act Against Banks Failing KYC and Customer Care Standards
    The RBI plans to take action against banks that fail to meet KYC and customer care standards, ensuring better compliance and customer service.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • At the Goa Festival, India’s Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati Unveils the Waves Streaming Platform

    At the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 21 November 2024, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant of Goa introduced “WAVES,” the over-the-top platform of Prasar Bharati, the country’s public broadcaster. Several dignitaries attended the event, including Secretary I&B Sanjay Jaju.

     In order to meet the increasing demand for digital streaming services, Doordarshan, India’s most recognisable public broadcaster, has entered the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform market. By providing a wide range of both modern programmes and historical content, the platform seeks to rekindle nostalgia while embracing contemporary digital trends. The website appeals to viewers seeking emotional and cultural ties to India’s past thanks to its library of classic series, including Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log. In keeping with its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, it also provides news, documentaries, and local programming. Doordarshan’s OTT platform connects classic television with contemporary streaming by utilising its decades-long legacy and national trust, catering to both tech-savvy young people and older generations.

    Featuring Inclusive India Stories

    With stories about inclusive India that embrace Indian culture with a global perspective, “WAVES” debuts as a major OTT aggregator in more than 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Assamese. It will span more than ten infotainment genres. Video on demand, free-to-play games, radio and live TV streaming, 65 live channels, multiple app-in-app connections for gaming and video content, and online buying via an e-commerce platform backed by Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will all be available.

    WAVES also provides a platform to content creators, including National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma, and others, as a deliberate move to unleash the potential of young creators in the creative economy. Film and media colleges such as FTII, Annapurna, and AAFT have made their graduation films available on WAVES.

    IFFI will Screen New WAVE’s Films and Series

    WAVES will exhibit “Roll No.52,” a student-produced film from Annapurna Film and Media Studio directed by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, in keeping with the 55th IFFI’s emphasis on up-and-coming filmmakers. WAVES will film “Fauji 2.0,” a contemporary version of the classic Shahrukh Khan programme from the 1980s, “Kicking Balls,” starring Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, “Jackson Halt,” a crime thriller, and “Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge,” which is about mobile toilets.

    WAVES features live events such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly Mann ki Baat and the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti LIVE from Ayodhya. Beginning on November 22, 2024, WAVES will broadcast the forthcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament LIVE. Additionally, in collaboration with CDAC and MeitY, WAVES will begin a Cyber Security awareness campaign using Daily Video messaging. Programmes like Cyber Alert (by DD News features) and Cyber Crime ki Duniya (a fictionalised series) support this approach.

    In order to effectively convey important messages, states and ministries of the central government are also collaborating with Prasar Bharati to co-develop and provide a variety of programming, including entertainment-valued reality shows, dramatised or fictionalised shows, and docudramas. A documentary on the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court of India, the unique archival material from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, such as old photographs, journals, and periodicals, and the NFDC archives named Cinemas of India are among the contents. WAVES has also received educational and entertaining programming from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, IGNCA, Ministry of Culture, and India Post.

    Telangana Gig Workers Demand State-Owned Ride-Hailing Platform
    The gig workers’ union in Telangana is urging the government to launch a state-run ride-hailing service to ensure fair pay and improved working conditions.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • A Single-Dish Restaurants are Delisted by Zomato

    Zomato, a prominent player in the foodtech industry, has cracked the whip and delisted several “potentially fraudulent” restaurants after consumers reported several single-dish restaurants on the platform.

    “We have removed all of these eateries from our site after identifying them as possibly fake. We have also looked into any other restaurants that have a very small menu on Zomato and may have listed restricted goods or devised a method to list prohibited things in order to address this more thoroughly,” Zomato stated in a post on X.

    Further Strengthening its Security

    The business claimed that by utilising generic cuisine names like “Merry Berry” and “Naughty Strawberry,” among others, many of these eateries were able to “game” Zomato’s checks. In order to prevent such occurrences in the future, Zomato stated that it has reinforced its fraud checks even further. The foodtech giant reiterated its policy, stating that all eateries listed on its platform must have a permit from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). According to the report, the business “actively” prevents products like alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, and vape pens from being featured on its marketplace.

    This comes days after an X user in Chandigarh reported several eateries selling a single meal at exorbitant pricing with “nonexistent addresses.” “Something really shady is cooking on @zomato,” the person wrote, tagging the local police.

    How the Issue Caught the Eye-Balls?

    According to the X user, he attempted to place an order from one of the aforementioned restaurants but was not delivered. He posted, “I attempted to place an order, but it was automatically cancelled after a while, and the restaurant is now showing as closed.” It is important to note that Zomato is the market leader for meal delivery services.

    In a recent report, broking firm Motilal Oswal stated that Zomato’s 58% market share in the food delivery sector increased its lead over Swiggy, which was just launched. Swiggy held a 42% market share, the broking added. In the meantime, Blinkit, a significant player in quick commerce owned by Zomato, maintains its lead in the quick “10 minute” delivery sector with 46% of the market, followed by Zepto (29%) and Swiggy Instamart (25%).

    Some X users expressed gratitude for the change, while others called for stricter measures to be taken against these dishonest eateries.

    An X user commented, “It’s good to see an update from your side regarding the issue that was raised by some users.”

    So you didn’t check those restaurants’ FSSAI licenses? asked another. 

    Another person claimed, “I don’t believe Zomato even visits the restaurant or cloud kitchen. It must be completely online.”

    “If these eateries were selling illegal goods, you should contact the police right once; “delisting” is certainly insufficient,” said one X user.

    Zomato’s Unusual Job Listing Sparks Widespread Buzz
    An unusual job listing by Zomato has caused a stir, attracting attention and sparking discussions about its unconventional requirements.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • An Unusual Job Listing by Zomato Causes a Stir

    Deepinder Goyal, the CEO and co-founder of Zomato, posted an odd job opening on his social media pages on November 20. Goyal stated in his posts that he is seeking a chief of staff who will be required to pay INR 20 lakh instead of receiving a salary for the first year.

    The posts quickly went viral when the job application caught people’s attention. Among the many attributes included in the job description were “a lot of common sense, communication skills, empathy, and not a lot of experience.” It stated that the chosen individual would supervise every aspect of establishing Zomato’s future. However, the INR 20 lakh “fee” and the zero salary package for the first year were what attracted internet users’ attention.

    Why Zomato Opted for Such Posting?

    Instead of applying for a glamorous, well-paying job that will make applicants look cool in front of themselves or the people they want to impress, Zomato thinks that people should do it for the learning opportunities it offers. Regardless of their success in this position, consider this a fast-track learning programme for individuals on a personal and professional level. Additionally, the company prefers learners above resume builders for this position, as per the post.

    Furthermore, Goyal stated that the “fees” would be sent directly to the company’s Feeding India effort and that the corporation is not attempting to save money by charging the applicants. The chosen individual will receive an additional INR 50 lakh from Zomato to donate to their preferred charity. The CEO added that the emoluments would be modifiable at the start of the second year and that the chosen chief of staff would begin receiving the regular wage (more than INR 50 lakh) at that point. However, both company executives and online users had significant reactions to the posting.

    Mix Reaction

    Some praised the action, but others expressed doubt and questioned the job posting. The entire social media domain was busted with comments and opinions: “The job posting seems like a really “maverick” way to find the right mindset candidate,” Tata iQ’s chief people officer (CPO), Amit Sachdev, told one of the media outlets. Limiting the quantity of applicants is the sole goal of establishing the financial requirements. This streamlines the entire process and provides you with a short list of potential customers right away. Additionally, according to Sachdev, the posting disqualifies any applicants who are only interested in gaining money or experience. 

    Similarly, a small number of banks would be prepared to finance the job role, in contrast to traditional educational courses, as noted by some users. Then, there were questions about whether the job posting broke any labour regulations, such as the Industrial Disputes Act, the Minimum Wages Act, and the Payment of Wages Act. Many drew attention to the fact that failing to pay an employee’s salary for a year while collecting fees carries severe penalties for coercive work practices, including criminal culpability and legal action.

    Zomato Eyes $1 Billion QIP Debut by December
    Zomato plans a $1 billion QIP debut in December, marking a significant step in its growth strategy and enhancing its market presence.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde