GIG WORKER
Andhra Pradesh inks 9 MoUs for Rs 4,100 crore space-defence push
At the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on 12-13 November 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board signed nine MoUs covering rocket engines and test beds, satellites, missiles, explosives, aerospace manufacturing, flight training and heliports. Eight of them propose investments totalling Rs 4,100 crore and 6,865 direct jobs on about 1,472 acres in Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Nellore and Visakhapatnam. The ninth is a five-year strategic partnership with Pawan Hans to develop and operate heliports across the State.
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.
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.
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.
- Go To Page 1
MeitY flags physical AI data; US data centre woes may help India
Happy Friday! MeitY is examining how home services platforms collect household data to train physical AI models.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
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.
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.
Lenskart, Nykaa, PhysicsWallah see Q2 profits surge
New-age companies Nykaa, Lenskart, and PhysicsWallah reported strong numbers for the September quarter. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Peppermint Robotics raises Rs 100 crore led by pi Ventures, Crane Venture Partners
The company was founded in 2019 by Runal Dahiwade, and has raised Rs 150 crore to date. It also develops autonomous robots for material transportation and operates in nine countries. The US is its largest market, followed by India and western Europe, Dahiwade, who’s also the CEO, told ET.
Middle class spending boom in India comes with growing debt bill
Consumer borrowing in India has surged significantly as access to credit has expanded across the population. Individuals like Navjot Singh illustrate the financial burdens incurred from loans that have become widespread among the populace. As interest rates increase, many consumers face a heightened risk of default on their debts. Reports show that borrowing against gold and informal loans has also intensified in recent years.
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.
Centre sets up social security board to frame welfare schemes for gig workers
In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the National Social Security Board, designed to improve welfare for unorganised and gig economy workers. This board will advise on the rollout and supervision of important social security programs. Scheduled to meet three times annually, it will also manage policy discussions and oversee the financial aspects of the Social Security Code.
Gig workers get a seat at the table as Centre notifies social security boards
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers and gig workers. This board will enable the implementation of welfare schemes designed to address social security gaps. It will include representatives from government, companies, and civil society to ensure diverse input. The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss policies affecting these workers.
DoorDash strikes $17 billion deal for US rival Instacart in bets on grocery delivery
DoorDash is set to make waves in the grocery delivery market with its planned acquisition of Instacart, valued at approximately $17 billion. This move underscores the intense competitive landscape driving businesses toward expansion through strategic mergers. The increasing scrutiny over gig worker treatment and rising operational costs further fuel this trend. While Instacart's shares have recently seen a boost, DoorDash has faced share price challenges this year.
India’s Arrakis problem: The price of what low-skilled workers know
Indian workers contribute valuable data for training AI systems, which is transforming how tasks are automated. As technology advances, low-cost labour is becoming a significant resource for AI development globally. Companies are increasingly relying on Indian workers for video data that demonstrates various physical tasks. This trend poses challenges regarding data ownership and the economic benefits for India.
FTC orders Walmart, Delta and others to share how they use personal data to set prices and pay
"We intend to scrutinize the opaque methodology that some companies in these industries may be using to determine how much consumers pay or how much gig workers are paid for the same product or service," FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement.
PhonePe rolls out NPS account opening with Rs 250 contribution, no fresh KYC
PhonePe has introduced a digital process for users to open National Pension System accounts. This new facility allows an initial contribution of Rs 250 without needing to upload documents. Users can verify their linked bank accounts using OTPs and make payments through PhonePe UPI. The service is aimed at individuals looking to start retirement planning easily and flexibly. Future expansions will include additional banking partners to enhance accessibility.
Rapido bike taxis may be banned in Pune as police ask Google, Apple to remove app
Pune police have approached Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store to remove Rapido bike option from app amid a crackdown on its bike taxi operations. The move follows a directive from Pune Collector and RTA chairperson Jitendra Dudi. Commuters have questioned the proposed shutdown, citing public transport gaps, while autorickshaw unions have raised concerns about rider verification and passenger safety.
PLFS set for fresh overhaul, govt seeks public & expert opinion on upcoming new things
The National Statistics Office (NSO), which has conducted the PLFS since 2017, plans to introduce the modifications from January 2027, when fresh samples for the 2027-2028 two-year period, designated Panel 6, will be drawn using an updated sampling frame.
PSBs step up AI adoption, cyber resilience under EASE₹ise 8.0 reforms
Public sector banks in India are focusing on adopting artificial intelligence and enhancing cyber security measures. They are modernizing their banking systems to ensure better customer service and financial inclusion. The efforts outlined in the EASE₹ise 8.0 Annual Report aim to strengthen the resilience of these banks. Additionally, banks are developing frameworks to assess climate-related risks and improve accessibility for various groups.
Make employees your customers
Snabbit operates in India's gig economy by selling mandatory workwear to its workers, increasing revenue significantly. Rather than focusing solely on customer acquisition, the company monetizes its own workforce effectively. This practice has contributed to the company's operational revenue despite existing losses. The approach may redefine how companies engage with gig workers in the future. Such strategies highlight emerging business models in the evolving economy.
Nandan Nilekani calls for expanding Account Aggregators to reach street vendors for access credit
Nandan Nilekani emphasizes the importance of expanding the Account Aggregator framework to include self-employed individuals. He highlights the need for access to formal credit for gig workers and street vendors. By incorporating diverse financial information sources, the framework could better assess creditworthiness. Nilekani also stresses a sustainable business model for Account Aggregators to ensure sustainability. This expansion aims to create a more inclusive digital financial infrastructure in India.
Snabbit employee, auto driver husband earn Rs 1 lakh a month; child studies at school with Rs 1.5 lakh fees
A Snabbit senior director’s LinkedIn post about a woman employee’s earnings has sparked discussion about women’s financial independence and the gig economy. He said the employee and her auto-driver husband now earn a combined Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh monthly, enabling them to afford school fees of Rs 1.5 lakh a year for their child. Social media users highlighted the wider impact of women’s employment on families.
UK allows modern slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas to leave abusive employers without risking immigration status
The UK Government has announced changes to support victims of modern slavery on Skilled Worker visas. These individuals can now leave abusive employers without risking their immigration status, which allows them to find lawful work. This measure aims to help workers who have faced exploitation and allow them to rebuild their lives. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Jo White, emphasised that no one should endure such exploitation.
Load More
