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NCERT Announces 20% Price Cut on Textbooks for Classes 9-12 for Upcoming Academic Year

December 16, 2024, 4:58 pm

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced a 20 percent reduction in the prices of textbooks for classes 9 to 12, effective from the next academic year. This decision was revealed by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event held on Monday.

Saklani stated that this is the first time NCERT has implemented such a significant price reduction for textbooks. “This year, NCERT has brought in a lot of efficiency in paper procurement and also onboarded printers with the latest printing machines. NCERT has decided to pass on this benefit to the students of the country,” he explained.

He further emphasized that all textbooks for grades 9-12 will be retailed at 20 percent lower prices than the current rates, marking an unprecedented move in the history of NCERT. Meanwhile, textbooks for grades 1-8 will continue to be sold at Rs 65 per copy.

The announcement was made during the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the construction of an auditorium at the NCERT Headquarters, which was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. During the event, an MoU was signed between NCERT and Flipkart to enhance the distribution of NCERT textbooks.

Each year, NCERT prints approximately 4-5 crore textbooks across around 300 titles. The organization has also expanded its reach through partnerships with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, facilitating nationwide access to authentic textbooks.

‘Print Isn’t Dead’: Flipkart Turns Print into Play, Ad Redefined

November 18, 2024, 2:07 pm

Flipkart’s innovative front-page ad in the Hindustan Times on Sunday turned a traditional newspaper into an interactive experience. By swiping a wet tissue over the page, readers revealed hidden messages that cleverly showcased Flipkart’s 10-minute delivery promise. The playful design allowed the message to reappear after a short wait, adding an element of discovery and reinforcing Flipkart’s commitment to fast delivery. It quickly became a conversation starter, prompting viewers to comment, “Doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani!”

The ad’s creative and interactive nature transformed an ordinary newspaper experience into a mini science experiment, delighting readers with a sense of surprise as they enjoyed their morning coffee.

Take a look at the ad:

Social Media Reactions

The ad gained widespread attention on social media, where users lauded its innovative approach. Khushi Sahetai shared a clip of the ad on LinkedIn, commenting, “Print isn’t dead, rote execution is. Flipkart Minutes’ latest ‘spilt milk’ ad proves traditional media can evolve. With an interactive reveal, it highlights how print media can still surprise and delight. In a digital-first world, print still has a strong role—but only when innovation leads.”

On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed their appreciation as well. One wrote, “For those who were saying that print media is dying, print media will rule for another decade.” Another echoed, “Print isn’t dead, stale ideas are. Flipkart Minutes’ ‘spilt milk’ ad shows how traditional media can innovate and inspire. Print can still surprise and engage audiences in a digital-first world.”

An impressed viewer commented, “I’m impressed by Flipkart’s recent ad showcasing the innovative use of a slightly textured paper and the clever tagline ‘10 minute me ye sab replace ho jaega’ (This will all be replaced in 10 minutes).”

Flipkart’s campaign proved that with creativity, print media can still engage and surprise audiences in today’s digital-first world, showing that traditional formats still have a place—if innovation is at the heart of the approach.

Flipkart Product Selling: iPhone Users Paying More Than Android, See The Huge Price Difference

November 1, 2024, 10:22 am

An online conversation was ignited after a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighted a significant price difference for the same product on Flipkart, depending on whether users were accessing the app through Android or iOS. The post, shared by user Saurabh Sharma, featured screenshots revealing that the Mokobara cabin suitcase was priced differently on the two platforms.

Different Prices for the Same Product

In his post, Sharma noted that the small cabin suitcase was listed at ₹4,119 on Flipkart’s Android app, with a 65% discount, while iOS users were faced with a price of ₹4,799, reflecting a 60% discount. Additionally, Android users were offered a no-cost EMI option starting at ₹1,373 per month, compared to ₹1,600 per month for iOS users.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Android vs iOS – different prices on @Flipkart App??

same @my_mokobara cabin suitcase costs 4119₹ on FK Android App vs 4799₹ on iOS App.

Apple charges 30% commission on subscriptions etc, so different pricing for iOS makes sense there.

But for ecommerce? Very shady & unfair. pic.twitter.com/YmIq8nhuXO

— Saurabh Sharma (@randomusements) October 30, 2024

“Apple charges a 30% commission on subscriptions, so different pricing for iOS makes sense there. But for e-commerce? Very shady and unfair,” Sharma remarked in his post.

Flipkart’s Response to Price Variation

Following the uproar, Sharma shared a screenshot of his interaction with Flipkart customer support, which explained that prices may vary based on seller discretion and various factors. The response reassured users that sellers strive to provide great deals and discounts.

Since its publication, Sharma’s post has attracted over 127,000 views, igniting numerous comments from users sharing their experiences with price discrepancies across different apps.

User Reactions and Insights

Reactions to the post varied, with one user noting, “This is common across multiple apps, mad annoying. I once had a ₹1 lakh Android device and an old iPhone 7 Plus, and everything was more expensive on the latter.” Another user remarked on the prevalence of price differences in other platforms like Uber, attributing them to dynamic pricing models.

While some acknowledged that varying commission rates between platforms could lead to price discrepancies, many expressed skepticism about the justification for such significant price differences, suggesting it might be a seller error. Users also shared their experiences with similar practices on platforms like Zepto and Instamart, questioning the rationale behind these pricing strategies.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion on fair pricing practices in e-commerce, highlighting potential disparities that consumers may encounter based on their choice of operating system. As the conversation continues to evolve, consumers are left to ponder the implications of such pricing strategies on their shopping experiences.

Flipkart’s Rs 1 Auto Rides In Bengaluru Goes Viral: Watch The Craze

October 2, 2024, 8:32 am

In an innovative marketing move, e-commerce giant Flipkart has rolled out ₹1 auto rides in Bengaluru, promoting its UPI payment system ahead of the highly anticipated Big Billion Day sale. This unique initiative aims to enhance convenience for commuters in the tech capital while showcasing the ease of using Flipkart’s UPI services.

A New Way to Travel

Residents of Bengaluru were quick to embrace the campaign, which allows them to book auto rickshaws for just ₹1. The initiative not only facilitates affordable transportation but also highlights Flipkart’s commitment to improving user experience. To further support this effort, the company has set up stalls in strategic locations, assisting commuters with their auto bookings during peak hours.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL VIDEO POST:

A spokesperson for Flipkart stated, “Flipkart UPI just pulled off an amazing campaign, offering auto rides for ₹1 during peak hours in Bengaluru to kick off the excitement around the Big Billion Days sale.” The spokesperson added that the campaign quickly gained traction on social media, with people lining up for the ₹1 rides.

Social Media Buzz

The campaign has generated considerable buzz online, with numerous social media posts celebrating the affordable auto rides and sparking a wave of creative memes. One user remarked, “So Flipkart UPI woke up and casually told the people of Bengaluru that they no longer need to worry about auto ride rejection. Goated marketing move in my opinion. Watch how Flipkart UPI changed the game!”

Another user humorously noted, “Auto at ₹1 in Bangalore sounds more impossible than me getting a reply from my crush, but FK UPI did it. Watch how Flipkart UPI changed the game.”

Calls for Expansion

While the campaign has proven popular in Bengaluru, users from other cities are now clamoring for similar initiatives. One user expressed their disappointment, saying, “No man, what have we non-Bangalore people done to not get these Re 1 auto rides? Hume bhi waise hi reject karte hain ye Autowaale, listen to us, Flipkart UPI.”

As Flipkart gears up for its Big Billion Days sale, the ₹1 auto ride campaign not only offers a practical solution for commuters but also emphasizes the convenience of digital payments through Flipkart UPI, potentially paving the way for similar initiatives in other cities across India.

Aalsi, Bewakoof’ Big Billion Days Sale Ad: Flipkart Takes It Down | Watch

September 27, 2024, 5:48 pm

The highly anticipated Big Billion Days Sale of Flipkart kicked off on September 27, but the lead-up to the event was overshadowed by a controversial advertisement. The Bengaluru-based e-commerce giant faced backlash for promoting the sale with a video that referred to husbands using derogatory terms like “aalsi” (lazy), “kambakkht” (wretched), and “bewakoof” (foolish). This portrayal ignited a wave of criticism on social media, with many branding the ad as misandrist and toxic.

Animated Ad Encourages Deception

The animated advertisement aimed to provide women with clever tips on how to discreetly order and hide handbags from Flipkart without their husbands noticing. Although the intention seemed lighthearted, the narrative took a turn when it suggested ways to conceal a “special friend” visiting while husbands were away, leading to significant outrage among viewers.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

So @Flipkart deleted this misandrist post. But what was the logic behind even posting such toxic video addressing a Husband as Aalsi, Kambakkht and Bewakoof Pati. They must apologise for this and hope they will not repeat it. Misandry will Not be Tolerated Anymore. https://t.co/GwiEzgdMEH pic.twitter.com/fLf8KywE0e

— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) September 23, 2024

Company Apologizes and Takes Action

In light of the widespread backlash, Flipkart swiftly removed the offending video and issued an apology. “We’re sorry for the offending video which was posted in error, and took it down as soon as we realized our mistake. We will do better in the future,” the company stated. The incident has sparked a conversation about advertising ethics and the responsibility of brands to promote positive representations.

Sale Continues Despite Controversy

Despite the controversy, the Big Billion Days Sale remains in full swing and will continue until October 6, offering a wide range of discounts and deals to consumers. As Flipkart moves forward, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line brands must walk when creating advertisements that resonate with diverse audiences.

Flipkart Faces Criticism For iPhone 13 Rs 11 Deal During Big Billion Days Sale

September 27, 2024, 1:08 pm

Flipkart has come under fire from customers following a promotional deal that advertised the iPhone 13 for just Rs 11 as part of the e-commerce platform’s Big Billion Days sale. The offer, part of Flipkart’s ‘Fastest Fingers First’ contest at 11 PM, left many buyers frustrated when the iPhone was marked as ‘sold out’ or ‘out of stock’ within minutes. Some buyers claimed that even after successfully purchasing the phone for Rs 11, their orders were canceled later.

Technical glitches also plagued many users trying to place orders. The discontent led to a wave of complaints on social media, with users criticizing the deal as misleading and unfair.

User Reactions on Social Media

Disappointed Flipkart users turned to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with many labeling the promotion a “marketing gimmick,” “fraud,” and the “biggest scam” of the Big Billion Days sale.

Here are some of the posts shared by X users:

One user wrote, “Is fraud really happening in Flipkart? An investigation should be done to find out who all have been cheated. There should be no injustice with the common people.”

Is fraud really happening in Flipkart.

An investigation should be done to find out who all have been cheated.

✍️There should be no injustice with the common people.#flipkartscam pic.twitter.com/KNCu64ZP36

— Dileep Balasiya (@DileepBalasiya) September 18, 2024

Another frustrated customer said, “If you were trying to get an iPhone 13 for ₹11 at 11 PM, then you were probably fooled. This is one of the marketing gimmicks used by online shopping platforms to create buzz. ‘Sold Out’ message will pop up for everyone.”

If you were trying to get an iPhone 13 for ₹11 at 11 PM then probably you were probably fooled.

This is one of the marketing gimmick used by online shopping platforms to create buzz.

"Sold Out" message will pop up for everyone. #flipkartscam #BigBillionDays #Flipkart pic.twitter.com/zAt4SAX1sg

— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) September 22, 2024

A third user commented, “@Flipkart I can’t even imagine you doing such scams. They were offering the iPhone 13 for Rs 11 at midnight. We waited since 7 PM, but suddenly it was showing Rs 49,900. This is mentally harassing people.”

@Flipkart i cant even imagine Flipkart will do such type of scams.they were going to offer Iphone 13 today at Rs.11 at MIDNIGHT. We were sitting since 7 p.m , but suddenly it was showing Rs.49,900 . Its not acceptable @Flipkart its called mentally harassing peoples.

— Vedika Agarwal (@VedikaAgarwal56) September 22, 2024

Public Reaction to the Failed Offer

Many customers voiced their disappointment, with some questioning the legitimacy of the offer. One user said, “BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT of #bigbillionsday SALE. What have you done #flipkart? I still think this is a joke… KYA ISSE SCAM KAHENGE KE NAHI??”

If true, BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF #bigbillionsday SALE.

What have you done #flipkart

I still think this is a joke…

KYA ISSE SCAM KAHENGE KE NAHI?? #iphone15onflipkart #iphone15promax #iphone15 #flipkartscam #flipkartsale pic.twitter.com/EdEBR8XfRB

— R. Bhai (@bahubalireturns) September 23, 2024

Flipkart’s Response to the Controversy

In response to the outcry, Flipkart Support addressed a user’s complaint on X, clarifying the situation. They said, “We understand your concern about the offer. The Fastest Fingers First offer was claimed by the first three customers. But don’t worry! You can still catch great deals at 9 PM and 11 PM every day as part of our ongoing The Big Billion Days. Appreciate your understanding.”

We understand your concern about the offer. The fastest fingers first offer was claimed by the first three customers. But don't worry! You can still catch great deals at 9 PM and 11 PM every day as part of our ongoing The Big Billion Days. Appreciate your understanding.

— FlipkartSupport (@flipkartsupport) September 24, 2024

Despite this explanation, many users remain dissatisfied, feeling misled by the promotion and calling for better transparency in future offers.

Flipkart Scam: Rs. 30,000 Sonos Speaker Order Ends In Rs. 2,400 Mi Bluetooth

August 26, 2024, 6:52 pm

An online shopper expressed frustration, stating, “Flipkart should be renamed to Fraudkart.” Abhishek Bhatnagar shared that his friend, Nikhil, had ordered a Sonos speaker worth Rs. 30,000 from the e-commerce platform, but upon delivery, he received a Xiaomi Bluetooth speaker valued at Rs. 2,400. The incident was supported by an unboxing video shared by Bhatnagar as evidence.

Despite Nikhil’s repeated attempts to resolve the issue with Flipkart and its support team, Bhatnagar claimed the company remained unresponsive. He emphasized the lack of response from Flipkart even after his friend provided video evidence of the incorrect delivery.

? Alert: Big Flipkart Fraud Found?

Help Needed

? Please Retweet to Increase Reach ?

My friend (Nikhil) ordered a Sonos speaker worth ₹30,000, and he got a Mi Bluetooth ₹2400 INR speaker in a box of Sonos.

Even after multiple follow-ups and complaints, Flipkart and… pic.twitter.com/sEIMbEFqIn

— Abhishek Bhatnagar (@abhishek) August 25, 2024

The situation sparked mixed reactions online. Some viewers expressed skepticism, noting that the video failed to conclusively prove the mishap, as it didn’t eliminate the possibility of prior tampering. One user remarked, “I have noticed that @flipkartsupport always does an open box delivery for electronic products. We bought a few phones and laptops in the past few years, and all of them had open box delivery. The customer can refuse to accept the product if there is an issue with it.”

Others doubted Bhatnagar’s claims, citing Flipkart’s open-box delivery system as a safeguard against such errors. However, the post resonated with those wary of online shopping, with some advising against purchasing expensive items online due to recurring incidents of order mix-ups. One comment read, “Don’t know when will people learn. Why order expensive items online? Every day these cases happen. Stick to low-value items, and buy expensive items from stores.”

While it’s unclear if Flipkart has addressed Nikhil’s complaint, the incident highlights the ongoing issue of order mix-ups, a problem not limited to Flipkart, as similar complaints have also surfaced against other e-commerce giants like Amazon.

Flipkart Contacts Mumbai Customer After 6 Years For Undelivered Order

June 27, 2024, 2:03 pm

Ahsan Kharbai, a Mumbai resident, was bewildered when Flipkart’s customer support contacted him six years after he had placed an order on their e-commerce platform. He shared his unusual experience on the social media platform X, posting a screenshot of his order history. The screenshot showed that he had ordered a pair of Sparx slippers in May 2018.

After 6 yrs @Flipkart called me for this order ?
Asking me what issue I was facing pic.twitter.com/WLHFrFW8FV

— Ahsan (@AHSANKHARBAI) June 25, 2024

Despite the significant time lapse, Ahsan never received the slippers. Curiously, the Flipkart app continuously displayed the order status as “arriving today,” even after six years.

His post on X surprised netizens, garnering over 15,000 views and 1,700 likes, along with numerous hilarious comments from users. Flipkart later responded to Ahsan’s post.

I'm really sorry for this experience. Our team has already gotten in touch with you on this and they are looking into your concern related to the recent order. Please be assured that you'll hear from us. Appreciate your patience.

— FlipkartSupport (@flipkartsupport) June 26, 2024

Layoffs In India’s Tech: Ola, Flipkart, Byju’s, Swiggy Among 20 Companies Cutting Jobs In 2024

June 6, 2024, 3:29 pm

The layoffs in India’s tech market is experiencing significant layoffs, along with other global job market. Large new-age companies such as Swiggy, Ola, and Paytm have been cutting down their workforce since January 2024. Here is a compilation of Indian firms that have laid off their employees this year:

Simpl Layoffs

In May 2024, Simpl, a buy-now-pay-later platform, laid off around 160-170 employees, accounting for approximately 25% of its total workforce. The layoffs were reported by MoneyControl and were part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations.

Ola Cabs Layoffs

Ride-hailing giant Ola Cabs terminated around 200 employees in April 2024, representing about 10% of its workforce. This move was aimed at improving profitability. Additionally, Ola’s CEO Hemant Bakshi resigned just three months after his appointment, adding to the company’s tumultuous period.

Byju’s Layoffs

Facing financial challenges, ed-tech platform Byju’s laid off 500 employees in April 2024, which constituted 3% of its total workforce. The layoffs affected roles in sales, marketing, and teaching. Reports indicated that the layoffs were conducted over phone calls followed by emails.

Swiggy Layoffs

In January 2024, Swiggy, the online food delivery company, cut around 400 jobs. The layoffs were part of a strategy to improve the company’s finances. Although Swiggy’s food delivery business had been profitable for several quarters, the startup was not profitable at the group level.

Flipkart Layoffs

In the same month, Walmart-owned Flipkart fired between 1,100 and 1,500 employees, reducing its workforce by 5-7%. According to an Economic Times report, the company had also paused fresh hiring over the past year to manage costs.

Good Glam Group Layoffs

Content-to-commerce platform Good Glam Group laid off 150 employees, about 15% of its workforce, in April 2024. The job cuts were part of a new organizational framework aimed at streamlining operations and eliminating redundancies.

Other Notable Layoffs in Indian Firms

Several other Indian firms have also announced job cuts in 2024:

PrepLadder and Scaler: These ed-tech companies announced job cuts.
Wint Health, Lentra, and Muvin: Fintech startups that laid off employees.
HealthifyMe and Pristyn Care: Health industry firms that announced job cuts.
Cult.fit and Cure.fit: Fitness startups that trimmed their workforce.
Bolt.Earth, CoRover, Airmeet, WayCool, Licious, and BlissClub: Other startup companies that reduced their workforce this year.

The wave of layoffs in India’s tech and startup sector highlights the challenging economic environment and the companies’ efforts to adapt to changing market conditions.

Man Buys Laptop Worth 1 Lakh from Amazon; Receives Second-Hand Product Instead

May 9, 2024, 6:41 pm

Rohan Das, an online shopper, recently paid Rs. 1 lakh on Amazon for a new laptop but received a used one instead. He realized this when he checked Lenovo’s official website for the warranty period, which began in December 2023, indicating prior use.

Das shared his ordeal on the social media platform ‘X’, titling his post ‘I Was Scammed By Amazon!’, which quickly gained traction. Users sympathized with him, advising legal action for compensation.

https://twitter.com/rohaninvestor/status/1787805450773135635

Amazon responded to Das’s complaint, apologizing and seeking more details. Lenovo clarified that although they track manufacturing dates, warranties begin from the purchase date.

An Amazon representative replied to Das’s post, expressing regret and requesting his details for a prompt response within 6-12 hours.

Many users echoed Das’s sentiment about being deceived, highlighting such incidents as common on e-commerce sites. A similar case occurred in March when a man ordered a Nothing Phone 2(a) worth Rs 20,000 but received an iKall phone priced at Rs 4,500. Flipkart acknowledged the error and provided a replacement.

Flipkart’s Big Saving Days: iPad 10 below 30k Discontinued

April 30, 2024, 3:55 pm

Indian e-commerce company Flipkart will discontinue the sale of iPad 10 below Rs. 30,000.

This development comes around the time, when the company is just gearing up for the big saving days sale which is going to be held on May 2.

Days ahead of the event, the e-commerce platform had already launched some best deals in the gadget segment. Including smartphones and iPad.

However, according to the tipster Abhishek Yadav’s teaser image, the iPad 10 will be bought under the segment of Rs.30,000 in the coming sale of Flipkart.

About iPad 10

This 10th generation iPad was launched in the year 2022 for Rs. 44,900. Its features consist of flat-edge design. Has broad bezels and is 5G enabled. Most unique thing about the iPad is, that it now replaces lightening port with Type-C port charging. Thus, making it convenient for android users to use only one charger.

Ironically, the iPhone 15 too adopts the USB port.

Features of iPad 10

This apple product consists of new and very unique features. this gadget offers integrated fingerprint scanner with the power button. Which is located at the top.

It is equipped with 12 megapixels on both the back and front camera. Thus, Enhancing experience of photography. It also ensures compatibility Magic keyboard folio.

And lastly, it is powered by A14 bionic chipset. Which delivers a real-world performance.

ONDC Seeks Amazon, Flipkart Collaboration for Expansion: Government-Backed Network Seeks E-commerce Collaboration

April 29, 2024, 6:42 pm

Initially devised to challenge the dominant market positions of Amazon and Flipkart, ONDC was put into effect.

The Indian government is expected to expand ONDC, the Open Network for Digital Commerce, by integrating it into the platforms of Amazon and Flipkart. This integration will involve featuring ONDC stores on the homepages of these platforms. According to sources familiar with the matter, this move aims to support the growth of the government-backed network and improve its distribution capabilities.

The executives clarified that the primary objectives are to enhance order fulfillment rates, optimize the operational efficiency of ONDC, and address any issues related to glitches and delays.

T Koshy, the managing director of ONDC, the network is, “in active discussion with Amazon and Flipkart for a phased participation and that results could be expected soon.”

As of now, neither Flipkart nor Amazon have issued any official statements regarding the matter. This development holds significance given that ONDC was initially introduced as a response to the market dominance of Amazon and Flipkart in the Indian e-commerce sector. ONDC commenced operations in January 2022.

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Amazon boasts a significant presence in India, with a vast network of more than 1.1 million merchants, the majority of whom are located in tier 2 towns and cities across the country.

In February of last year, Amazon revealed its plans to integrate its extensive logistics network, encompassing pickup, delivery, and all intermediary steps, with ONDC’s SmartCommerce capabilities. Amazon’s SmartCommerce software facilitates the launch and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses in India across various digital platforms.
“These small businesses will now be able to use it to join the ONDC network,” Amazon stated.

Simultaneously with Amazon’s announcement, Flipkart’s logistics subsidiary Ekart made considerable progress in integrating with ONDC. Flipkart’s logistics division had already successfully joined the network.

There are speculations that Amazon’s initial collaboration with ONDC was solely intended to offer last-mile deliveries through Amazon Transport Services, with no plans in place to connect Amazon India’s primary marketplace with the government-sponsored network.

Customers of the company will gain access to a diverse array of product catalogs from more than 105,000 non-mobility sellers currently operating on the network if Amazon decides to fully integrate its core marketplace with ONDC. Through this interface, smaller businesses would have the opportunity to join the marketplace without encountering hefty commission fees or undergoing separate onboarding processes with Amazon.

ONDC has established itself in various industries, including groceries, fast-moving consumer goods, food and beverage, ride-hailing, agriculture products, fashion and apparel, health and wellness, beauty and personal care, electronics and appliances, home and kitchen, business-to-business transactions, exports, metro ticketing, and financial products.

The network has experienced substantial growth, with 622 “countable cities” in the January-March quarter, referring to cities that generate over 100 orders monthly. The National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), representing over 500,000 restaurants across the country, is currently engaged in negotiations with ONDC. Leaders in the food services sector indicate that the discussions are aimed at establishing a seamless last-mile connection for food delivery services, including features such as order tracking and discoverability.

ONDC, a government-backed network competing directly with independent food delivery aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, has successfully integrated end-to-end services for early adopter buyer and seller platforms such as Magicpin and Paytm.

In the past 14 months, ONDC has experienced substantial growth, with network participants increasing from 24 to 81. The network now encompasses thirteen domain categories, compared to the previous three, and several buyer apps—Paytm, Snapdeal, Magicpin, Pincode, Mystore, Rapidor, NoBrokerHood, Ola, and nStore—are generating a significant volume of orders.

Unlike the dedicated food delivery apps, ONDC has multiple options, so a concern is who drives traffic and stickiness towards restaurants,” stated an executive in the food services. “The larger scale has not yet been reached and will happen over time.”

Since its official launch in January 2022, ONDC has facilitated over 49.79 million transactions. Mobility services, primarily ride-hailing applications like Namma Yatri, comprise more than half of all monthly orders. Between February 2022 and March 2023, mobility services accounted for over 32.2 million orders, while non-mobility services accounted for over 17.5 million orders during the same period.

During this period, the food and beverage sector saw over 5.78 million orders, while the grocery category recorded 1.74 million orders. Additionally, the fashion category experienced 2.64 million orders, and the home and kitchen category had 1.35 million orders placed.

The network currently encompasses various renowned businesses and platforms across different sectors: Wow Momo, P&G, and Hindustan Unilever in the FMCG sector; Namma Yatri, Kochi Open Mobility Network, and Ola in the mobility sector; and McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Marico in the food and beverage sector. Additionally, large brands like Barbeque Nation and Rebel Foods, the cloud kitchen aggregator behind Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, and Faasos, have recently become part of ONDC.

In April 2022, ONDC conducted live transaction tests with a limited group of vendors and buyers in five locations as part of its alpha rollout.

Flipkart valuation decreases by more than ₹41,000 crore

March 18, 2024, 10:17 am

According to information derived from transactions conducted by its parent company Walmart in the United States, the valuation of the e-commerce giant Flipkart has experienced a decline, decreasing by $5 billion or approximately ₹41,000 crore since January 2022.

As of January 31, 2024, Flipkart’s valuation is reported at $35 billion, down from $40 billion in FY22, reflecting changes in Walmart’s equity structure. The decline in value is primarily attributed to the separation of fintech firm PhonePe into an independent entity. However, sources suggest that Flipkart’s current valuation falls within the range of $38-40 billion.

Walmart’s equity transactions shed light on these changes. In FY2022, Walmart diluted 8 percent of its equity in Flipkart for $3.2 billion, valuing Flipkart at $40 billion. Conversely, in FY2024, Walmart increased its stake by 10 percent to about 85 percent, paying $3.5 billion, indicating Flipkart’s valuation at $35 billion.

Walmart clarified its actions, stating, “During fiscal 2024, the company paid $3.5 billion to acquire shares from certain Flipkart noncontrolling interest holders and settle the liability to former noncontrolling interest holders of PhonePe.” Flipkart disputes the reported valuation decrease by Walmart, asserting that it was an “appropriate adjustment” following PhonePe’s separation in 2023.

Flipkart insiders maintain that the company’s organic valuation has remained steady since 2021, with PhonePe’s value factored into the valuation exercise. PhonePe, now valued at over $12 billion, attracted investments totaling $850 million from various investors.

Despite the reported valuation dip, Flipkart sources highlight significant year-over-year growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 2023, estimated at 25-28 percent YoY to $29-30 billion. This growth, driven by increased festival sales compared to 2022, could positively impact Flipkart’s valuation.

In FY23, Flipkart reported a net loss of ₹4,846 crore and a consolidated net income of ₹56,012.8 crore, with total expenses amounting to ₹60,858 crore. Despite financial challenges, Flipkart’s GMV growth and near profitability indicate resilience in its market performance.

Flipkart responds to Delhi Police’s notice in Delhi acid attack

December 20, 2022, 11:01 am

E-commerce giant Flipkart responded to the Delhi Police inquiry in the case of an acid attack on a class 12 girl on 14 December by two people. The incident took place in Delhi’s Mohan Garden area.

During the investigation, the police get to know that the two accused bought the acid online on Flipkart.

Earlier, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice to e-commerce entities Flipkart and Meesho for violations of the sale of acid on their platforms.

Meanwhile, the details of the seller have been shared with the investigator. “The person who had sold the product online has been traced to Agra. The acid was bought for ₹600. A team will be sent to the city for further investigation and to ascertain if norms were followed,” the officer said.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Friday issued a statement and said, “The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has taken strong action on violations of consumer rights. In a run-up to the increasing crimes in society, CCPA took stringent action to safeguard consumer interests.”

Moreover, the National Human Rights Commission took a suo motu cognizance of the acid incident and issued a statement on December 16 and stated, “NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of the media reports that two masked men threw acid on a 17-year-old girl on her way to school in West Delhi on December 14, 2022. Reportedly, the victim was admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital ICU.”

However, on 14 December the incident took place when the girl was on her way to school after which two bike-borne men allegedly threw an acid-like substance at her. The victim is undergoing treatment in Safdurjung Hospital as 7-8 percent burns have been reported.