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Earlier this month, hundreds of <keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword> <keyword id="21660399" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-rickshaw-drivers" source="keywords">auto-rickshaw drivers</keyword> gathered outside the Transport Department’s head office in Shantinagar. The protestors — composed of 32 mobility-related organisations led by a private union group — had many demands, but the major one was clear: ban two-wheeler “bike taxis” in Silicon City. Cab-aggregating firm <keyword id="20445234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rapido" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Rapido" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Rapido">Rapido</keyword> popularised <keyword id="20104101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bike-taxis" source="keywords">bike taxis</keyword> in Bengaluru after their introduction around 2016. With fares about half of that of a standard cab, and quite a bit lower than that of auto rates, the mode quickly became popular among the masses who did not mind the temporary discomfort of a pillion ride to their destination. Now, all popular cab-for-hire apps offer bike taxi services in Bengaluru, including <keyword id="20045096" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uber-and-ola" source="keywords">Uber and Ola</keyword>. However, the mode’s rising popularity has also diverted potential customers and businesses away from auto-rickshaws, which irked the group. The past year has seen many instances of <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/after-auto-drivers-attack-rapido-captain-bike-taxi-union-in-bengaluru-asks-police-to-ensure-protection-of-its-riders-8679747/">violent attacks</a> on bike taxi captains by auto drivers. While these cases are regularly brought to the notice of the police, little action is taken to de-escalate the growing contempt among the groups. <h2>A complicated legal situation</h2>Further, the law remains too muddy to place blame and offer any resolution. Despite pleas by the Bike Taxi Association for legalisation and recognition of bike taxi services in the state, no resolute legal action has been taken on the matter. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111512310" title="Bengaluru's newest ride-hailing app allows you to book autos via WhatsApp, to follow govt rates" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>A majority of two-wheeler cabs comprise private vehicles in Bengaluru, meaning they are fitted with white registration plates and cannot be used as commercial vehicles. Furthermore, the addition of a platoon of electric vehicles with green plates (with yellow font for commercial use) adds to the confusion. In August 2021, the court had advised no “coercive action” against bike taxis after a petition by Rapido. Further, in April, sources reported that the Karnataka High Court had directed the state government to protect bike taxi operators by taking strict action against individuals or entities that “unlawfully obstructed” their services. Naturally, there is a lot of grey area and unclarity as to the legal status of bike taxis, and the burden of this has fallen upon the bike taxi service providers, lakhs of whom have become dependent on the service for their daily <keyword id="20445583" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="livelihood" source="keywords">livelihood</keyword>. And as the recent protests led to strict crackdowns on hundreds of “illegal” bike taxis, the step has led to devastating consequences for many confused captains. <h2>Daily livelihood seized</h2>60-year-old bike taxi captain Tarun [name changed for anonymity] recently received an <keyword id="19895382" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Uber" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Uber">Uber</keyword> booking near the Regional Transport Office, Kasturinagar. After reaching the location specified on the app, he was met with a traffic police officer in civilian uniform, who reportedly impounded the bike immediately. As per Tarun, the police explained that his bike, although it had the necessary documentation (such as registration and insurance), was illegal for use as a bike taxi service. Tarun had to visit the RTO multiple times over the course of the next several days, after which he had to pay an arbitrary ‘fine’ of Rs 6,500 to release the bike. The police reportedly declined to give a break-up of the fine. “They took away my only source of livelihood, so I had no option but to oblige so that I do not lose the vehicle altogether,” lamented Tarun. “Like me, there are many people whose families run on this income.” <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111457653" title="Brace yourself, Bengaluru! Traffic could get a whole lot worse as BBMP announces major roadwork in many key areas" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>A similar situation transpired for other captains for other cab-aggregating companies after the recent crackdown, who incurred varying unspecified penalties for “unauthorised” rendering of bike taxi services. One source noted that the RTO demanded that the challan be paid with cash rather than an online transaction. <h2>Unaffordable penalty and no communication</h2>Officials have noted that there are provisions to impose a penalty of Rs 5,000 if vehicle owners are found using a private vehicle for commercial purposes. However, this has proven a heavy blow for captains such as Tarun, who have become reliant on his bike for a daily wage. After accounting for petrol and maintenance charges, Tarun explained that he earns approximately Rs 300 per day. Not only did he lose out on precious days of wages after his bike was confiscated, but the penalty incurred would take over half a month of work to pay off, he explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111663953" title="Is the cost of rent finally going down in Bengaluru&amp;#39;s IT corridors like Koramangala and Whitefield?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Tarun and other captains noted that there was no communication from Uber or Rapido to discontinue their bike taxi services. Until more clarity is obtained, they are apprehensive of continuing services, leaving them with no viable source of income. Captains expressed discontent that action was being taken against the ground-level workers instead of the cab-aggregating companies themselves, such as Uber and Rapido. “If they really want to stop this [bike taxi services], then why don’t they stop it from the app?,” Tarun remarked. “If they say that we are illegal, then Uber and Rapido are also illegal.” Until a method to legalise bike taxis is provided, bike taxi providers — who often turn to the service as a last resort amid the unavailability of quality jobs — will continue to live in financial uncertainty.

“They took away my only source of livelihood” — As police impound bike taxis in Bengaluru, captains cry in despair

<ul><li>The bench also recorded that <keyword id="66" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="delhi" source="Orion">Delhi</keyword> government counsel's submission of the final policy will be notified before July-end.</li><li>Last week, the top court had sought a response from the Centre on the pleas of the Delhi government.</li><li><keyword id="3269053" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rapido" source="Orion">Rapido</keyword> has also challenged a showcause notice issued to it saying it is in violation of various and the principle of natural justice.</li></ul> The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the High Court order that essentially allowed bike-taxi aggregators <keyword id="15820338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapido-and-uber" source="Orion">Rapido and Uber</keyword> to operate in the national capital by asking the Delhi government not to take any coercive action against them till a new policy was formulated. A vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal granted liberty to the two aggregators to request urgent hearing of their pleas by the Delhi HC. The bench, which stayed the May 26 order of the Delhi HC, also recorded Delhi government counsel's submission of the final policy will be notified before July-end. The top court was hearing two separate petitions by the AAP government challenging the High Court order that no coercive action should be taken against the bike-taxi aggregators until the final policy was notified. Last week, the top court had sought a response from the Centre on the pleas of the Delhi government. Earlier, senior advocate Manish Vashisht, appearing for the Delhi government, said the high court's decision to stay the government's notice till the final policy is notified is like virtually allowing Rapido's writ petition. On May 26, while issuing a notice to the Delhi government on Rapido's plea challenging a law that excludes two-wheelers from being registered as transport vehicles, the high court directed that no coercive action should be taken against the bike-taxi aggregator till the final policy was notified. The high court, which listed Rapido's plea on August 22 before the registrar for completion of pleading, said, "The counsel for the petitioners (Rapido) submits that policy is under active consideration." "Accordingly, we hereby stay the notice and make it clear that the stay shall operate till the final policy is notified. However, once the final policy is notified, if the petitioners are still aggrieved, they are at liberty to take steps before the appropriate forum," the high court said. In its petition before the high court, Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, which runs Rapido, has said the Delhi government order directing it to immediately stop plying non-transport two-wheelers from carrying passengers on hire-and-reward or for commercial purposes was passed without any reason or rationale. In a public notice issued earlier this year, the government had cautioned bike taxis against plying in Delhi and warned that violations would make aggregators liable for a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Rapido has also challenged a showcause notice issued to it by the city government in that context, saying it is in violation of various fundamental and constitutional rights, and also of the principle of natural justice. "The direction issued by the <keyword id="62110" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="transport-department" source="Orion">transport department</keyword> under the impugned notice is ex-facie arbitrary and passed without following due process under law, without providing any reasons for such prohibition," the plea said. It also said the city government's conduct was contrary to the intent and object of the Centre with respect to the issuance of licences to aggregators as laid down under the <keyword id="6377804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="motor-vehicles-act" source="Orion">Motor Vehicles Act</keyword>, read with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020 (MoRTH Guidelines). "Transport department is yet to come up with its own guidelines with respect to plying of two-wheeler non-transport vehicles as transport vehicles for the purpose of aggregation and ride-sharing/ride-pooling. "MoRTH Guidelines expressly allowed vehicle pooling in non-transport vehicles in furtherance of the central and state governments' objective of reducing traffic congestion and automobile pollution and achieving effective asset utilisation unless it is prohibited by the state government," the plea said. It also said a blanket ban on the petitioner's services impacts the lives and livelihood of a huge number of vehicle owners and riders as well as a substantial number of daily commuters. With texts inputs from PTI SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/hyundai-to-utilise-5-9-billion-in-overseas-operations-money-for-ev-investments/articleshow/100937988.cms">Hyundai to utilise $5.9 billion in overseas operations' money for EV investments</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/with-international-travel-on-the-rise-indian-aviation-regulator-eases-norms-for-carriers/articleshow/100937433.cms">With international travel on the rise, Indian aviation regulator eases norms for carriers</a>

Hit for Rapido and other bike-taxi operators as Supreme Court stays HC order

The <keyword id="58906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka-government" source="Orion">Karnataka government</keyword> on Saturday held a meeting with the representatives of cab aggregators <keyword id="1042120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber" source="Orion">Uber</keyword>, <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword> and <keyword id="3269053" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapido" source="Orion">Rapido</keyword> over high auto-rickshaw fares. However, the auto rickshaw union cried foul and dubbed the meeting just an "eye wash". The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary N.V Prasad and Transport Department Commissioner THM Kumar of the Transport Department. Though the details of the meeting were not made public, sources said that requests have been placed before the department to fix Rs 100 per kilometre for auto rickshaws. The government is all set to fix the fares for cab aggregators in the wake of allegations of charging exorbitant prices. The High Court had also given directions for the government to fix the price within 15 days. Sources say that the cab service providers are pressing for a 30 per cent hike of fares. However, the Transport Department is maintaining that they have not got any such demands. The High Court is taking up the matter of fixing fares on November 7. However, senior advocate Amruthesh, who represents auto unions stated after the meeting that it's just an eye wash. The meeting ended without fixing fares. He further stated that the meeting was held only to inform the court on November 7 that they had held a meeting in this regard. "For five to six years cab aggregators have been looting the public's money. It was explained in detail in the meeting, but it ended without taking any decision, he added. The Transport Department has given the cab aggregators a free ride without any restrictions. No auto union leaders have been invited for the meeting, he charged. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/date-of-sip-investment-doesnt-matter-says-whiteoak-amc/articleshow/95164874.cms" style="">Date of SIP investment doesn't matter, says Whiteoak AMC</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/global-smartphone-market-sinks-to-lowest-q3-level-since-2014/articleshow/95163037.cms" style="">Global smartphone market sinks to lowest Q3 level since 2014</a>

Karnataka govt meets with Uber, Ola, Rapido; auto-rickshaw union terms it 'eye wash'

<ul><li>Delhi HC stays <keyword id="701249" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="transport-dept" source="Orion">Transport Dept</keyword>'s notice, saving Ola, <keyword id="1042120" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="uber" source="Orion">Uber</keyword>, and Rapido from suspension of ride-sharing services.</li><li>A division bench of Justices Suresh <keyword id="15491952" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kumar-kait" source="Orion">Kumar Kait</keyword> and <keyword id="2581533" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="neena-bansal-krishna" source="Orion">Neena Bansal Krishna</keyword> directed the <keyword id="62110" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="transport-department" source="Orion">Transport Department</keyword> to refrain from taking any coercive measures against Rapido and other ride-sharing platforms.</li></ul>New Delhi, In a major relief to Ola, Uber, and Rapido, the Delhi High Court on Friday put a stay on the public notice and show cause notice issued by the city Transport Department, halting the ride-sharing platforms. A division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna directed the Transport Department to refrain from taking any coercive measures against Rapido and other ride-sharing platforms until a comprehensive policy is formulated. In February, the app-based aggregators were prevented from plying bike taxis on the road without commercial permits. The Transport Department, ordering an immediate halt to the bike taxi services provided by these platforms, had warned that any violation will result in penal action. The public notice by the Transport Department said that the companies defying the orders will be fined up to Rs 1 lakh, as the use of bikes for commercial purposes violated the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Following the High Court decision, Uber has expressed its gratitude towards the court's order providing protection to the company against coercive actions regarding its bike taxi service in the capital city. "We welcome the High Court's order to give Uber protection from coercive action on bike taxis in Delhi. This will bring relief to drivers on our platform whose livelihood had been impacted by the ban as also to the hundreds and thousands of riders who choose to ride on Moto for affordability and last mile connectivity. We are committed to serving the city and being the platform of choice for riders and drivers alike," said Uber in a statement. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/is-whatsapp-secretly-listening-to-your-private-conversations-heres-how-to-check/articleshow/100155980.cms">Is WhatsApp secretly listening to your private conversations? Here’s how to check</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-pixel-6a-vs-pixel-7a-smartphone-comparison-with-price-and-features/articleshow/100177889.cms">Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7a: Is Google's latest mid-ranger worth the extra ₹12,000?</a>

Relief for ride-sharing platforms as Delhi HC put stays on Transport Department notice

<ul><li>The Indian government has warned cab aggregators over rising consumer complaints.</li><li>The government is expected to issue guidelines to remove unfair trade practices.</li><li>The government has also asked aggregators to reveal their algorithm and policies for determining price and cancellation charges.</li></ul>The government has come down heavily on cab aggregators like <keyword id="1042120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uber" source="Orion">Uber</keyword> and <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword> amid increasing consumer complaints over “unfair trade practices” such as surge pricing, ride cancellation, drivers refusing to turn on the air conditioner and more. According to a <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/auto/indian-govt-directs-ola-uber-to-improve-cab-quality-services-stop-unfair-trade-practice-2462130.html">report</a>, the consumer affairs ministry held a meeting with companies such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, Meru Cabs and Jugnoo and warned the companies of strict action. The main issues under discussion included the surge pricing, frequent cancellation of rides by drivers over trivial issues such as the destination and payment mode, refusal to turn on air conditioners in cabs, different pricing for different users and more. Cab aggregators have announced <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/uber-announces-a-price-hike-of-12-for-cab-rides-in-delhi/articleshow/90793725.cms">price hikes</a> in several cities across the country. One of the reasons announced for the price hike was the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/petrol-and-diesel-prices-hiked-for-the-13th-time-in-15-days/articleshow/90655551.cms">increasing</a> cost of petrol and diesel in the country. Some cab drivers have also been <a href="https://telanganatoday.com/cab-drivers-in-hyderabad-to-charge-extra-for-ac-amid-rising-fuel-prices">refusing</a> to turn on the air conditioner, asking riders to pay an additional amount. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Govt warns about strict action" comment="subhead" text="Govt warns about strict action">Govt warns about strict action</cmsannotation> “We told them (cab aggregators) about the rising consumer complaints against their platforms. We gave them the statistics also. We have asked them to improve their system and redress the consumer complaints otherwise the competent authority will take strict action,” Rohit Kumar Singh, consumer affairs secretary said after the meeting. "The authority is likely to issue an advisory to ensure that unfair trade practices by cab aggregators are not carried on in violation of consumers' rights," said Nidhi Khare, chief commissioner, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). "The number of complaints is very high and therefore we have called the cab aggregators for an explanation of their policies," Khare said. “We are engaged with the Department of Consumer Affairs and deeply appreciate the feedback provided by them and will continue to provide our inputs. We strive to be the platform of choice for riders and drivers alike and continue to invest in technology and customer support to deliver an excellent experience for them," Nitish Bhushan, Head of Central Operations, Uber India and South Asia said in a statement to Business Insider India "We are committed to continually raising the bar – for ourselves, our industry, and most importantly for the people who use our services," Bhushan added. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Inflated price for old customers" comment="subhead" text="Inflated price for old customers">Inflated price for old customers</cmsannotation> Another issue that has come under the government’s scanner is surge pricing and differential pricing for old and new customers. "It appears that cab aggregators are using algorithms to lure new customers, putting old customers at a disadvantage. This is an unfair practice," Khare added. As per the regulator, cab aggregators are charging a premium to their existing customers and offering discounts to lure new customers. Differential pricing for the same location has been termed as an “unfair practice” by the regulator. Khare has added that aggregators will be called upon to reveal their algorithms and policies that are used to determine prices, cancellation charges and surge prices. The aggregators have also been asked to reveal the steps taken by them to safeguard customer’s personal data on their platforms. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ubers-ceo-said-hiring-will-be-treated-as-a-privilege-and-inefficient-incentives-will-be-cut/articleshow/91439331.cms">Uber's CEO said hiring will be treated as a 'privilege' and inefficient incentives will be cut</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-a-group-of-youtubers-pranked-a-scam-call-centre-in-india-that-earns-18-million-per-year/articleshow/91463331.cms">Here's how a group of YouTubers pranked a scam call centre in India that makes $18 million per year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/top-profitable-startups-in-india-in-2021-22-zerodha-zoho-dream-11-and-firstcry-in-the-list/slidelist/91484233.cms">Top 10 profitable startups in India – from Zerodha to Zoho and Firstcry, here’s the list</a>

Indian government accuses Ola, Uber and other aggregators of inflating cab prices for older customers

<ul><li><keyword id="3269053" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rapido">Rapido</keyword> has resumed services in 39 cities across 11 states in the country.</li><li>The company has asked its drivers to install the Aarogya Setu app, wear masks and always carry hand sanitizers.</li></ul>Bike-taxi service provider Rapido on Wednesday said it has resumed normal operations in 39 cities across 11 states, following the new guidelines announced by the government for <keyword id="9207199" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lockdown-4">lockdown 4</keyword>.0. "For now, our bike taxi services will be operational in the green and orange zones as the services cannot be extended to the containment zones as per the lockdown guidelines," the company said in a statement. The company said it will keep updating customers on the status of various cities and safety instructions via in-app notifications. According to the company, ‘captains' or drivers need to install the Aarogya Setu app before they go on-duty to start accepting orders and have been asked to wear a mask at all times as well as carry sanitizers, hair net in addition to the mandatory helmets. Captains are also asked to maintain personal hygiene and sanitise their bikes at regular intervals, especially sanitise the pillion seat before on boarding customers. Meanwhile, after every ride, customers can give feedback about wearing a mask or captains not using sanitizer. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/lockdown-4-0-uber-ola-resume-services-in-more-cities/articleshow/75812021.cms">Lockdown 4.0: Uber, Ola resume services in more cities</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/swiggy-follows-zomato-the-food-delivery-firm-will-layoff-1100-employees/articleshow/75801328.cms">The $3.6-billion Swiggy follows Zomato⁠— the food delivery firm lays off 1100 employees as Covid-19 squeezes business</a>

Rapido resumes services in 39 cities in orange and green zones

New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): <keyword id="9766785" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-elections-2024" source="Orion">Lok Sabha elections 2024</keyword> have seen a <keyword id="20108198" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="voter-turnout" source="keywords">voter turnout</keyword> at polling stations of about 66.95 per cent so far, as approximately 451 million people have voted during the first four phases of ongoing general elections. In a bid to encourage voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers, ECI has enhanced its targeted interventions to reach out to every eligible voter. The Commission led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, further directed CEOs of the states going to poll in the fifth, sixth and seventh phases to timely distribute voter information slips to all electors and enhance outreach activities. "Commission strongly believes that partnership and collaboration are essential pillars of the voter awareness programme. It's heartening to see that, at the Commission's request, different institutions, influencers and celebrities with significant reach are working enthusiastically on a pro-bono basis," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said. Further, he added that a higher voter turnout would be a message from Indian voters to the world, about the strength of Indian Democracy. He urges all the voters to cast their vote in huge numbers, as voting day is not a holiday but a day of pride, by participating in the festival of democracy. According to an official release, various <keyword id="21686177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="voter-awareness-drives" source="keywords">voter awareness drives</keyword> and campaigns have been carried out by stakeholders in collaboration with ECI. Telecom Service Providers such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Bharti Airtel Limited, Jio Telecommunication, and Vodafone-Idea Limited are reaching out to every mobile user in the respective parliamentary constituency through push SMS/Flash SMSs, outbound dialling calls to mobile users, RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging and WhatsApp messages/alerts. These activities are carried out two/three days before the poll and even on the poll day, in regional languages, with an appeal to vote. ECI has collaborated with BCCI for voter awareness activities during the ongoing IPL season. The voter awareness messages and songs are being played at different stadiums during the cricket matches. The most innovative aspect of this campaign is the administration of voter's pledges by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a pre-recorded video message, at various IPL venues. Further, voter awareness messages are integrated into cricket commentary. Cricketers from 10 IPL teams have encouraged voters to participate in the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections in 2024 with their recorded voter awareness messages. A voting day alert was sent to all Facebook users pan India to inform and inform the voters about the general elections and to nudge them to participate in the festival of democracy, the release mentioned. The release further stated that WhatsApp personalised messages have begun on polling day. Google India is contributing through its iconic feature of Google Doodle on poll days and banners appearing on YouTube, Google Pat and other Google platforms. The Retail Association of India has been actively engaging with voter awareness activities, through their retail network, whereby retail chains are encouraged to celebrate the election as a festival. The vast network of post offices and banking institutions was utilised by ECI to reach out to a wide and diverse audience across the length and breadth of the country. In collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the parliamentary elections campaign logo "Chunav ka Parv, Desh ka Garv" has been integrated with the IRCTC portal and tickets. Voter awareness announcements have been integrated with the public address system at all railway stations. The logo stickers are used on coaches of the superfast trains. In collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, hoardings on voter awareness have been installed in about 16,000 retail outlets. In collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines are making an inflight announcement with an appeal message to participate in the ensuing elections. Voter guides are being kept in aircraft seat pockets. Apart from this, many airports are providing space for the display of voter awareness messages. Selfie points have been installed at airports in 10 major cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, Chandigarh, and Pune. Cinema theatres across the country are playing ECI voter awareness films and ECI Song Main Bharat Hoon, Hum Bharat Ke Matdata Hai, at regular intervals, as a part of the Public Service Awareness (PSA) film. Sansad TV is creating short films on Unique Polling Stations set up in remote corners of the country by the election machinery after navigating difficult terrains to demonstrate the challenges in ensuring voting at the last mile. AMUL, Mother Dairy and other milk co-operatives have started branding their milk pouches with the message 'Chunav Ka Parv, Desh ka Garv' and encouraging voters through social media platforms. AMUL is also encouraging voters with its unique messaging through AMUL Girl Topical advertisements in newspapers. Prasar Bharati: Doordarshan has produced, various short films, including appeals from constitutional functionaries like President of India, Vice President of India, and Chief Justice of India, among others. Further, unique polling stations are being covered by the regional Kendra's audio-visual documentation. Music App Spotify is running a campaign called 'Play Your Part', and they have issued print advertisements, and curated the playlists for the elections, on their app. Payments app PhonePe has integrated voter awareness message into their app and is actively encouraging voters. BookMyShow has launched an integrated campaign, titled "Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho," to raise awareness among voters. MakeMyTrip is running a campaign titled 'MyVoteWalaTrip', whereby discounts are offered to citizens going to vote. Food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy are disseminating voter awareness messages through their platforms and social media activities. Grocery App Blinkit changed its logo to "Inkit" for the elections, incorporating a message encouraging people to "Go out and Vote" as a tagline. Uber India is reaching out to voters through multi-channel messaging (in-app, emails, push notifications), offering discounts for rides to polling stations, and amplifying voter awareness messages on social media platforms. Bike app Rapido has been encouraging voters with a free ride to vote. Urban Company has launched 'I Have Voted Campaign' to encourage voters. Tata Neu app, serving as the Tata Group's group-wide consumer-facing mobile app, prominently features the "Cast Your Vote" animated banner on its homepage, with additional initiatives currently underway. Truecaller is enhancing its layout by displaying voter awareness message during outbound calls Some other independent initiatives are Mankind Pharma #VotingVirgin campaign, clothing brand Neeru's "Vote ki Taiyaari" TVC, Tinder's "Every Single Vote Counts" campaign, creatively curated social media post by Matrimonial sites like Jeevansathi.com, etc and discounts for voting by popular brands such as Shoppers' Stop, MakeMyTrip, Chroma and many more. Four phases of Lok Sabha polls have been held and the voting will conclude on June 1 with results on June 4. The remaining phases will be held on May 20, May 25, and June 1.

451 million voters! First four phases of Lok Sabha elections witness 66.95% voter turnout so far

<ul><li>Spencer's is trailing behind <keyword id="964794" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BigBasket">BigBasket</keyword> in terms of revenue, despite its heavy offline presence.</li><li>Revenue of Spencer’s was 30% less than online grocery delivery startup BigBasket in the financial year 2020.</li><li>BigBasket may record its best financial performance in 2021, whereas Spencer’s has reported a decrease in sales.</li></ul>The year 2020 has been a game changer for India Inc. in many aspects. From shopping to working, everything has taken a digital spin and the debate of ‘online vs offline’ has been getting much stronger. Thirty two-year old Spencer’s Retail, one of the prominent retail chains in India ⁠— owned by RP Sanjiv Goenka group ⁠— reported its annual financial report and it was a fairly decent one. The business was surely affected by the Covid-induced lockdown in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 (FY21), but was flourishing the rest of the year. Yet, its revenue dipped 7% to ₹2,481 crore and losses widened to ₹163.8 crore. This really got us wondering how the company fares in comparison to other players in the grocery segment -- both online and offline. Online grocers are cumulatively the third largest player in the market behind DMart and <keyword id="58448" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Retail">Reliance Retail</keyword>, according to a report dated June 4 from the broking firm Motilal Oswal. BigBasket is the biggest of that lot. What’s more shocking is the fact that BigBasket, just 10 years old in the market, earns more revenue than Spencer’s. The comparison between BigBasket and Spencer’s may be of apples and oranges, but it is definitely an interesting one. The three-decade-old Spencer’s, which has a strong presence across 191 stores across 42 cities, earned almost 30% less than a decade-old online grocery business BigBasket in FY20. A scan of the last three financial statements (between FY18 to FY20) of the companies, revealed that this gap in revenue is not a new one. This trend is expected to be carried forward in FY21 as well, especially with the sort of growth BigBasket has witnessed last year. Being the biggest player in the online grocery space, the company has doubled its daily deliveries to 3 lakh compared to pre-Covid days. The company claims to have clocked a gross sale of ₹8,000 crore ($1.1 billion) in FY21. Though BigBasket is yet to report its financial statement for FY21, Business Insider has mailed the company seeking more details of their financial performance. It is expected to be the strongest one yet at least in terms of the revenue growth. No wonder, Tata Group was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/tata-tryst-with-e-grocery-starts-with-a-billion-dollar-acquisition-of-bigbasket-heres-why-it-could-be-a-sweet-deal-for-both/articleshow/81478849.cms">compelled</a> to acquire BigBasket in order to pursue its Super App dreams. Spencer’s, on the other hand, has reported receding revenue and widening loss during FY21. Though the company did test out a hybrid model by experimenting with online delivery in partnership with Dunzo and Uber last year, that doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference for the company either. Its revenue from sales (operating revenue) reported a 7% dip to ₹2,428 crore compared to ₹2,644.80 crore reported in FY20. Well, BigBasket is actually much worse than Spencer’s in terms of its losses. The company had been burning cash ever since its inception in 2011 and is nowhere close to profitability. Whereas, Spencer’s had hit profitability in FY19, but went back to reporting a loss soon after. According to stock broking house Motilal Oswal’s latest report on the retail segment, the online grocery segment has grown about 30 times over the last seven to eight years to reach $3 billion. Currently, India has about 154 million transacting households. Of which, 130 million are already using online grocery solutions, creating an addressable market of $293 billion. Historically, the e-grocery segment has garnered a single-digit share of the overall organised grocery market in India, but 2020 brought these online grocery solutions to the forefront as stepping out of the house was no less than a health hazard, due to the pandemic. Not only Spencer’s, but other traditional retail players like DMart and BigBazaar were compelled to take up an omnichannel approach and started taking online mode of ordering in partnerships with logistics and transportation players like Uber, Ola, Dunzo, Rapido and more. Besides this, Reliance’s JioMart expanded its presence from three cities to 200 cities in May 2020 in order to take a<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/heres-what-gives-jiomart-an-edge-over-its-competitors-according-to-goldman-sachs/articleshow/79054698.cms"> bigger share</a> of the market. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/sona-comstar-ipo-price-gmp-should-you-subscribe/articleshow/83505013.cms">Sona Comstar IPO worth ₹5,550 crore opens today – find out if this EV battery player has enough juice for a long ride</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/why-dodla-dairy-has-no-plans-to-expand-beyond-southern-india/articleshow/83503817.cms">Here’s why Dodla Dairy has no plans to expand beyond southern India for at least the next two years even with its IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adani-group-under-sebi-scanner-on-market-manipulation/articleshow/83501698.cms">Gautam Adani loses over $7 billion in net worth after questions over the meteoric rise in group stocks</a>

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