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Ecommerce Giants Flipkart And Amazon Violating FDI Rules – Indian Cellular Association

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Indian and international ecommerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon have been allegedly violating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules according to handset maker’s lobby group Indian Cellular Association (ICA.)

According to reports, the lobby group representatives have also met with Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu to take action against Flipkart and Amazon. ICA alleges the ecommerce platforms offer direct and indirect discounts on mobile phones and other products circumventing rules under Press Note 3 on FDI. Representatives who met with Suresh Prabhu recently explained the ecommerce companies were holding inventory and influencing the prices of electronic goods, thereby, eroding offline retailers’ revenue and putting at risk the jobs of nearly 60 million people.

In a letter addressed to Mr. Prabhu, ICA added, “In the view of the alarming situation that the industry and India are facing, we request urgent and severe action against Amazon India and Flipkart for rampant violations of the conditions of Press Note 3 by both, directly and indirectly, influencing the sale price of mobile phones and other goods.

The lobby group, according to a report by ET Now, is seeking necessary amendments in Press Note 3 and other linked laws to ensure strict action against the violators under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. At present, the ICA represents several mobile makers in India, including Micromax, Apple, Nokia, Vivo, Lava, Lenovo and Motorola. ICA further added the ecommerce platforms involve various intermediaries and support entities in the chain to camouflage both discounts and losses. “With these intermediaries, both Amazon India and Flipkart are able to pass discounts, without booking the same in their own books. The breakdown of expenditure in various deals keeps changing to make detection difficult,” ICA added.

Under Press Note 3, 100% FI in India is only allowed when companies are engaged in business to business sales and not in business to consumer transactions. Therefore, ecommerce firms like Amazon and Flipkart can only function as a marketplace to connect buyers and sellers, and not influence prices.

This is not the first time ecommerce platforms have been blamed for offering heavy discounts. However, Amazon denied all allegations and a spokesperson said, “Amazon remains committed to comply and is in compliance with all applicable Indian laws and regulations. The prices for products on the Amazon.in marketplace are completely determined by the sellers.” Flipkart is yet to respond to these allegations.

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Uber in Talks to Acquire EV Ride-Hailing Startup BluSmart

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StartupStories - Uber

Uber Technologies is reportedly in early discussions to acquire BluSmart Mobility, a Gurugram-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing startup. The potential deal comes as BluSmart’s parent company, Gensol Engineering, faces financial challenges and explores exiting the capital-intensive EV business.

BluSmart’s Unique Model

Founded in 2019, BluSmart operates an all-electric fleet of over 5,000 vehicles across cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Unlike competitors such as Uber and Ola, BluSmart directly owns its fleet and manages its charging infrastructure. While this model promotes sustainability and premium services, it has led to high operational costs.

Strategic Fit for Uber

Acquiring BluSmart could help Uber expand its EV footprint in India, complementing its “Uber Green” initiative and plans to deploy 25,000 Tata EVs. BluSmart’s fleet and charging network would provide a strategic edge as Uber competes with rivals like Ola and Rapido in the growing EV market.

Financial Pressures on BluSmart

Despite raising over $109 million in funding, BluSmart has struggled with profitability due to high capital expenditures and delays in government EV subsidies. Gensol Engineering’s liquidity issues have further fueled speculation about a potential sale.

Denial of Acquisition Talks

BluSmart has denied any ongoing discussions with Uber, calling such reports speculative. However, industry experts believe the acquisition could reshape India’s EV ride-hailing sector if finalized.

Conclusion

While no deal has been confirmed, Uber’s interest in BluSmart underscores the growing competition in India’s EV mobility space. If successful, this acquisition could strengthen Uber’s sustainability goals while addressing BluSmart’s financial challenges.

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Groww in Talks to Acquire Wealthtech Startup Fisdom

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StartupStories - Groww

Investment tech unicorn Groww, India’s largest stock broking platform, is reportedly in early discussions to acquire Fisdom, a Bengaluru-based wealthtech startup backed by PayU. The deal could value Fisdom between $140 million and $160 million and aligns with Groww’s strategy to diversify its offerings ahead of its anticipated IPO later this year.

About Groww and Fisdom

Groww, founded in 2016, is known for simplifying financial services and is India’s leading distributor of mutual fund SIPs. The company aims to expand beyond trading and mutual fund distribution as it prepares for an IPO that could value it between $6 billion and $8 billion.

Fisdom, established in 2015, offers financial services such as mutual fund investments, insurance, tax filing, and private wealth management. It powers banks and distributors for selling mutual funds and recently launched portfolio management services for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

Strategic Implications

The acquisition would allow Groww to leverage Fisdom’s distribution technology and private wealth management expertise. This move could complement Groww’s new wealth platform, “W by Groww,” and help diversify its revenue streams amid regulatory changes impacting derivative trading.

Conclusion

If finalized, the acquisition would strengthen Groww’s position in the wealth management sector while providing Fisdom with growth capital to expand its operations. Regulatory approvals could take up to six months to complete the deal.

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Swiggy Launches “Snacc” for 10-Minute Delivery of Snacks and Beverages

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Swiggy Launches "Snacc" for 10-Minute Delivery of Snacks and Beverages

Swiggy, the leading food delivery platform in India, has launched a new standalone app called “Snacc” to cater to the growing demand for ultra-fast food delivery. This innovative service aims to provide quick access to snacks, beverages, and light meals, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Focus on Speed and Convenience

Snacc specializes in delivering snacks and beverages within 10-15 minutes. The app operates from centralized hubs stocked with ready-to-serve items, ensuring rapid order fulfillment. This new service directly competes with other players in the 10-minute delivery space, such as Zepto Cafe and Blinkit Bistro, which have also entered the market with similar offerings.

Key Features

  • Dedicated App: Snacc operates as a separate app, providing a streamlined user experience specifically designed for quick bites.
  • Focus on Speed: The core promise of the service is a 10-15 minute delivery window, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking immediate satisfaction.
  • Centralized Hubs: Utilizing centralized hubs allows for faster order fulfillment and efficient delivery logistics.

Market Impact

The launch of Snacc reflects the increasing demand for convenient and on-demand food delivery services in India. As consumer preferences shift towards quick and accessible food options, Swiggy aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a dedicated platform for snacks and beverages.

Competitive Landscape

The introduction of Snacc comes at a time when competition in the quick food delivery market is intensifying. Other players, including Zomato and Blinkit, are also expanding their services to meet consumer demand for speedier delivery options. Zomato has recently launched its own 15-minute food delivery service in select cities, further escalating competition.

Challenges

While the 10-minute delivery model presents significant opportunities, it also poses challenges such as:

  • Maintaining Food Quality: Ensuring that food remains fresh and meets quality standards during rapid delivery.
  • Timely Delivery: Managing logistics effectively to meet the promised delivery times.
  • Operational Costs: Balancing speed with cost efficiency to maintain profitability.

Conclusion

Swiggy’s launch of Snacc marks a significant step in the evolution of the Indian food delivery market. By strategically positioning itself to cater to the evolving needs of consumers, Swiggy is set to capitalize on the growing demand for quick and convenient food options. As competition heats up in this space, Snacc aims to establish itself as a go-to solution for those seeking fast snacks and beverages, ultimately enhancing Swiggy’s overall service portfolio.

 

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