GIG ECONOMY DRIVER RIGHTS
Global economy to grow 2.8% in 2027 as AI investments, lower oil prices offer support: Report
Global GDP is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2027, supported by lower energy prices and increased AI investments. Major economies like the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom are projected to outperform growth estimates. China’s growth is forecasted at 4.5%, facing challenges from weak domestic consumption and the property sector. Risks to global growth include geopolitical tensions and fiscal pressures, impacting spending on technology.
Telangana implements gig worker rules, mandates minimum pay, social security benefits
The Telangana government has launched the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Rules, which establish rights for gig workers. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy introduced the legislation during a ceremony with Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad. The new rules include provisions for social security benefits, minimum remuneration, and protection against arbitrary account deactivation. Shaik Salauddin from the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union emphasized the need for effective implementation of these rights.
Rahul Gandhi calls out ‘fascists’ at Bharat Summit, launches Telangana gig workers’ welfare scheme
Addressing the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Gandhi hit out at what he termed "fascists" in business, academia, and politics, asserting that they tend to scream and refuse to listen while the humble majority remains quieter.
Andhra Pradesh plans Visakhapatnam entertainment hub, Rana Daggubati to partner with state
Visakhapatnam is set to develop as a center for films, digital content, and gaming in Andhra Pradesh. Actor-producer Rana Daggubati has pledged to collaborate with the state government on this initiative. Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the importance of creating a complete ecosystem for the entertainment industry. The plan includes building infrastructure for studios, production, and post-production facilities.
Telangana to provide gig workers Rs 5 lakh accident cover, Rs 10 lakh health insurance: Rahul Gandhi
Telangana has announced a new welfare scheme aimed at supporting gig workers in the state. The initiative includes accident insurance amounting to Rs 5 lakh and health insurance of Rs 10 lakh. Workers will receive 1% of each transaction for their deliveries directly into their bank accounts. This payment will be facilitated through a dedicated gig workers' board.
- Go To Page 1
Congress believes in making workers partners, will stand by gig workers: Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad
Congress and Telangana government have launched the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of data rights for gig workers during the event. He noted that workers currently lack access to their work-related information from digital platforms. Additionally, he addressed the challenging working conditions faced by gig workers while promising improvements.
AYUSH, herbal sector now worth lakhs of crores: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the economic growth of India's AYUSH and herbal product sectors. He noted that exports are increasing due to high demand for products like turmeric. The establishment of the National Turmeric Board aims to enhance production and quality standards. Additionally, the government introduced the e-AYUSH visa facility to facilitate foreign tourists seeking traditional treatments.
Trump cannot withhold highway funding from New York, court says
The US Transportation Department cited an audit that found New York had been routinely issuing commercial driver licenses to foreign drivers illegally in withholding the funding.
AYUSH economy crosses lakhs of crores as herbal exports surge: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the growth of India's AYUSH and herbal product sectors at golden jubilee celebrations of Prasanthi Kutiram in Bengaluru. He noted the increase in exports and the establishment of the National Turmeric Board to enhance production. The government has also introduced the e-AYUSH visa to attract foreign wellness tourists. He said yoga is being recognised globally, with India promoting its traditional practices more widely.
Sachin Tendulkar takes minority stake in waste management startup Recykal
Sachin Tendulkar has become a strategic investor in Recykal, acquiring a minority stake to support its mission. Recykal aims to enhance awareness and adoption of responsible waste management practices in India. The company recently closed a $23 million funding round to strengthen technology and expand operations. Tendulkar's involvement forms part of their efforts to drive behavioral change among one billion people.
Ola passengers asked to pay tips to get faster rides, but data shows extra payments didn't improve confirmation chances; company ordered to pay Rs 10 lakh fine
Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined Ola's parent company ANI Technologies Rs 10 lakh for soliciting advance tips and add-on payments before cab confirmation. The regulator found that Ola's own data showed lower driver acceptance rates for rides with add-ons and ordered the company to discontinue the prompts.
Rent-a-Cab rules eased, fleet can have just five cars
The government believes lowering the threshold will encourage small entrepreneurs, startups and local operators to enter the market. Existing operators will also be able to expand into new locations using a smaller fleet of just five cars. The proposals are part of the draft Rent-a-Cab Scheme 2026, which is set to replace the country's 37-year-old regulatory framework from 1989.
MeitY examines data collection by home services platforms for physical AI training
The consultation comes amid growing interest among AI and robotics developers in first-person video and sensor data, which can help train machines to understand and replicate human actions in real-world environments. Such recordings capture how people perform routine activities, providing training inputs for robots designed to undertake physical tasks.
Noah Kahan Last of the Bugs World Tour 2027: Who is Noah Kahan? Here's complete schedule with 31 shows
Noah Kahan has announced his Last of the Bugs World Tour 2027 a few days back. The shows will be held in North America, Europe and the UK. Around 31 shows will be organized in total. The tour comes after his fourth album The Great Divide charted at number one on the Billboard 200.
MeitY probes physical AI data use; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns
MeitY is reviewing the practice of collecting first-person video and sensor data from gig workers to train physical AI models. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Lights, camera... microdrama! Big showmen hooked on new gig in town
India's microdrama industry is experiencing significant growth, attracting investments from major entertainment companies and creators. Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment are launching a microdrama venture to produce high-quality content. Partnerships with creators and telecom companies will enhance the platform's offerings as the market expands. Despite challenges in monetization and audience retention, viewership for microdramas continues to rise steadily.
AI to stay dominant force behind US business investment in 2027, Goldman says
Goldman Sachs forecasts that artificial intelligence-related spending will reach approximately $1.4 trillion by the end of 2027. This spending is expected to represent nearly 4% of the US economy. The brokerage anticipates AI will drive significant business investment growth, with an estimated total exceeding $900 billion by the end of 2026. Furthermore, AI investment is projected to enhance capital expenditure and GDP growth rates in 2027.
Rs 1,000 cash, 1 kg kaju katli: Gujarat truck driver gets his first Diwali gift in 11 years from employer, also receives clothes and Milton thermos
A truck driver in Gujarat has shared a video of his first Diwali gift after 10-11 years of driving. Suresh Maurya, who works with a logistics company in Vapi, received Rs 1,000, clothes, a Milton thermos and 1 kg of kaju katli from his employer. His video has crossed 2 million views on Instagram.
World economy: The price of prices
The Iran war has pushed up living costs across major economies, with Italy and France among the worst affected and the US also facing significant pressure. India has seen the sharpest inflation increase among G20 nations, though this partly reflects an unusually low inflation base earlier. Inflation in India crossed the RBI’s 4% target only in June, highlighting how the recent rise compares with relatively benign price pressures earlier.
From free internet upgrades to sneakers: The brands cashing in on GTA 6 before it even launches
Grand Theft Auto VI is set for release on November 19, 2026, and pre-loading begins on November 10. Internet providers like Spectrum and Xfinity are offering free speed upgrades to facilitate quicker downloads. Nike is reportedly collaborating with Travis Scott and Rockstar Games to launch a special sneaker collection for the game. The collection may feature three Air Force 1 Low sneakers priced at $130 each.
Old Maharashtra auto driver surprises young man with his fluent English, explains learning the language helps while travelling abroad like London, Paris and America
An elderly auto-rickshaw driver from Amravati, Maharashtra, has caught social media's attention with his fluent English and advice to young people. In a resurfaced video, he explains how English helps people communicate abroad, using a London hotel as an example. Viewers have praised his confidence and speaking skills.
Mumbai woman fell in love with Rapido driver. Years later, she worked with Ranveer Singh and he represented India at World Championship. How a simple bike ride changed their lives forever
Ekta Kaushlya, a talented choreographer, crossed paths with Parth Chamaria, a dedicated Rapido driver, during her inaugural ride in Mumbai. Their engaging chat unearthed Parth's fervent dreams of becoming an athlete, despite financial hurdles. After their ride, Ekta reached out, initiating a bond that would blend their personal and professional lives. Supported by one another, they navigated their demanding careers, with Parth even representing India at an international competition.
Offline Aadhaar verification to get easier for users as UIDAI onboards 300 entities to complete process
UIDAI has successfully onboarded 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities since the launch in January 2026. This initiative aims to enhance Aadhaar-based offline verification across various sectors including healthcare, education, and hospitality. Users can now complete identity checks without submitting physical copies of their Aadhaar cards.
Aadhaar App: 300 organisations adopt offline verification system; users can verify identity without photocopies
In a significant move, UIDAI has rolled out its offline verification service to incorporate 300 organizations spanning diverse sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and consumer services. This initiative enables users to validate their identities through the Aadhaar App, which boasts upgraded security features. Consequently, the requirement for physical Aadhaar cards during transactions is eliminated, showcasing the increasing importance of Aadhaar in routine transactions, extending well beyond governmental functionality.
Ramayana actor Raghav Juyal shared 1 room with 10 boys, stored undergarments in broken fridge. How running away to Mumbai changed his destiny
Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana: Part 1 debuted on November 5, featuring major talents like Raghav Juyal. Reflecting on his path to stardom, Juyal revealed the obstacles he overcame in his early days in Mumbai, where he shared tight living quarters with fellow dancers. After stepping back from television, he made a notable return in the film Kill, proving his dedication and resilience in chasing his aspirations.
Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses
The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.
ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation
Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.
Premji's deeptech bets; Razorpay gets IPO nod
Happy Thursday! Premji Invest is stepping up its bets on defence and aerospace manufacturing.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Load More
