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Ola And Uber Should Be Regulated: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court stated today, all the app based transport service providers like Uber, Ola and RedBus need to be regulated to adopt a stricter stance on women’s safety. The remarks by the SC Bench were made after senior advocate Indira Jaising said several incidents of crimes committed by the drivers of such services were reported recently.
The Centre will be examining the issue and will also set up a regulatory mechanism for the Internet based service providers. A bench consisting of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta agreed to examine the plea after it was alleged that some of the companies are foreign based and were not willing to come within the jurisdiction of the Indian courts. The hearing for creating a regulatory regime is scheduled for 7 December 2017. “The issue of regulating public transport including internet based taxi services will be taken up on December 7,” the bench said.
According to Indira Jaising, who will be assisting the bench as the amicus curiae, app based taxi service providers do not conduct background checks on drivers. Citing the recent ban enforced on Uber in London, she added the operators have left the commuters vulnerable to sexual harassment and other crimes. “These companies who run the app based tax services do not have company headquarters in India. It is very difficult to hold them accountable for any crime committed by their drivers,” Jaising added. Additional solicitor general Pinky Anand has been asked to examine the issue and respond to measures to be taken to ensure safety and security of commuters.
The bench has also asked the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to set up an expert panel to frame a model that sets guidelines and rules for granting compensation to victims under the Victim Compensation Scheme by December 31. The expert panel consisting of 4 to 5 persons will also take into consideration suggestions from Jaising. “The Chairperson or the nominee of the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women should be associated with the Committee,” the bench further added.
The bench will hear all the matters concerning regulating the public transport and app based taxi providers and victim compensation scheme on January 9, 2018.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
