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Zomato and Swiggy Found in Violation of Competition Laws by India’s CCI

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Zomato and Swiggy Found in Violation of Competition Laws by India’s CCI

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has determined that leading food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have violated competition laws, as reported by Reuters. This investigation, initiated in 2022 following a complaint from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), revealed practices that allegedly favored select restaurant partners, thereby undermining fair competition within the market.

Key Findings of the Investigation

The CCI’s probe highlighted several critical issues, primarily focusing on exclusivity agreements and restrictive pricing policies. Zomato reportedly engaged in “exclusivity contracts” with certain restaurants, allowing them to benefit from lower commission rates. In contrast, Swiggy provided growth guarantees to restaurants that committed to listing exclusively on its platform. These arrangements are seen as creating barriers for new entrants and stifling competition, ultimately impacting consumer choice.

Pricing Pressure and Market Dynamics

Both platforms were also found to exert pressure on restaurants to maintain uniform pricing across different platforms. Zomato enforced strict pricing and discount restrictions, including penalties for non-compliance, while Swiggy allegedly warned partners that their rankings would be adversely affected if they offered lower prices on competing platforms. Such practices have raised concerns about their impact on market competitiveness and the overall health of the food delivery ecosystem.

Impact on Market Value and IPO Prospects

The CCI’s findings were confidential but were shared with Zomato, Swiggy, and the NRAI in March 2024. Following the news of the investigation, Zomato’s stock experienced a 3% drop, indicating immediate market repercussions. Swiggy is facing additional scrutiny as it approaches its $1.4 billion IPO, which is set to be the second-largest in India this year. The CCI investigation has been cited as a potential “internal risk” in its IPO prospectus, highlighting concerns about compliance with competition laws.

Strategic Responses from Zomato and Swiggy

In light of the investigation’s findings, Swiggy ended its “Swiggy Exclusive” program in 2023 and plans to launch “Swiggy Grow,” aimed at expanding its services into non-metropolitan areas. Both companies have significantly transformed India’s food delivery landscape but are now also venturing into “quick commerce,” promising grocery deliveries within 10 minutes—a sector currently under separate scrutiny for alleged predatory pricing practices.

Regulatory Scrutiny in India’s Digital Market

The CCI’s investigation underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by digital platforms in India as they navigate aggressive growth strategies amid rising compliance demands. The final decision regarding potential penalties or required changes to business practices is expected soon, with both Zomato and Swiggy likely to challenge any adverse rulings.

This case not only highlights the complexities of competition law in India’s rapidly evolving digital market but also raises broader questions about how major players like Zomato and Swiggy balance innovation with regulatory compliance in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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Apple to Shift Entire US iPhone Assembly to India by 2026

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Apple - StartupStories

Apple is set to relocate all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026, marking its biggest manufacturing shift in decades. The move is driven by escalating US-China trade tensions and steep tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—making Chinese assembly increasingly costly for Apple. Although some smartphone imports are temporarily exempt, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made iPhones entering the US.

 

India, in contrast, offers a more favorable trade environment, with a paused 26% reciprocal tariff and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the US that could shield Indian exports from future levies. Apple plans to more than double its current iPhone output in India, aiming to assemble over 60 million units annually for the US market. The company already produces about 25% of its global iPhones in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron.

 

This shift is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China amid geopolitical risks. However, the transition’s success will depend on how quickly India can scale up its manufacturing capabilities and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.


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PhonePe’s PINCODE Launches 10-Minute Medicine Delivery in Cities

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PhonePe

PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.

Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.

PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.

In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.

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Piyush Anchliya Joins Cashfree as CFO Amid Fintech Boom

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Cashfree Payment - StartupStories

Cashfree Payments has appointed Piyush Anchliya as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15, 2025. Anchliya brings over 15 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, with senior roles at Barclays, Bandhan Group, and most recently as CFO of Bandhan AMC. He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a B.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur.

In his new role, Anchliya will lead Cashfree’s financial strategy, optimize operations, and support the company’s next growth phase. He will report to CEO and Co-founder Akash Sinha, who highlighted Anchliya’s expertise as vital for sustainable scaling and strengthening the company’s financial foundation. Anchliya succeeds outgoing CFO Vikas Guru, who will assist during the transition.

Founded in 2015, Cashfree Payments processes over $80 billion annually for more than 800,000 businesses. The company recently raised $53 million in funding led by KRAFTON and Apis Growth Fund II and secured key RBI licenses, positioning it for accelerated growth in India’s fintech sector. Anchliya’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Cashfree aims to expand its leadership in digital payments.

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