PLATFORM WORKERS BENEFITS
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.
BJP's Jagdambika Pal dismisses Owaisi-Azad tie-up as "alliance of convenience"; SP says it will benefit BJP
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has dismissed the Samajik Parivartan Morcha formed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram president Chandrashekhar Azad as an "alliance of convenience" ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Samajwadi Party leaders also criticised the alliance, alleging that it could benefit the BJP by splitting votes from the INDIA bloc.
Connecticut restored 34 acres of damaged salt marsh in 2022; two years later, native grasses were thriving, and shorebirds were nesting on newly built mounds
A major salt marsh restoration project at Great Meadows Marsh in Connecticut is showing promising results for coastal wildlife and biodiversity. After a $4.65 million rehabilitation effort, the 34-acre wetland has seen the return of endangered saltmarsh sparrows and the growth of native marsh plants. The project highlights how wetland restoration, coastal conservation and habitat recovery can protect biodiversity, reduce flood risks and create healthier ecosystems amid rising sea levels.
Qcomm’s Diwali boost; Energy startups attract funds
Happy Wednesday! Quick commerce powered a strong festive season for D2C brands. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
China's Singles Day shopping festival puts AI selling power to the test
If you are looking for evidence of how enthusiastically China is adopting AI, look no further than the country's premier month-long Singles Day shopping festival.
Ode to a compassionate algorithm: Philanthropists are backing AI for public good
From Flipkart’s Binny Bansal to Chrys Capital’s Ashish Dhawan and Karishma Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, a growing number of entrepreneurs are writing cheques for AI that can diagnose diseases, empower teachers, modernise courts and strengthen public services, betting that the technology can create social returns as significant as commercial ones.
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Canva layoffs 2026: CEO Melanie Perkins plans to give away 80% of her billion-dollar fortune as company announces 22% job reductions
Canva CEO: Canva CEO Melanie Perkins has drawn attention amid the company's decision to cut 1,271 jobs, affecting 22% of its workforce. Perkins has also pledged to donate more than 80% of her wealth to charity. The billionaire co-founder, who built Canva from a small start-up into a $42 billion company, signed The Giving Pledge with her husband Cliff Obrecht in 2021.
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.
U.S. and Japanese Companies Struggle with Different Parts of AI Adoption—and Offer Different Lessons for Making It Work
Companies in both the U.S. and Japan are struggling to deploy AI, but often in very different ways. In the U.S., deployment is wide but shallow, meaning companies struggle to create real value with AI. In Japan, deployment has moved slowly, but where it has happened, it’s often deep and fruitful. Understanding what’s happening in both contexts offers important lessons for companies trying to develop an AI strategy and demonstrate ROI on their AI investments.
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.
Democratic wins would shift Congress' trade debate but fall short of US tariff rollbacks
If Democrats gain control of Congress, they will challenge many of Trump's tariffs through legislation and oversight. The party aims to repeal tariffs impacting communities on both sides of the Canadian border. However, Trump's veto power will hinder their efforts to pass significant reforms. Executive actions on trade may become more prominent under the Trump administration's agenda. Overall, the evolving dynamics in Congress will shape future trade discussions and policies.
Mansukh Mandaviya rolls out EPFO services on WhatsApp, starts auto-settlement of small inoperative accounts
Union Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched EPFO services through WhatsApp for easier access. Subscribers can check their PF balance and transaction history conveniently using this platform. The automatic settlement for inoperative EPF accounts was also introduced, streamlining the process for beneficiaries. In total, around one lakh accounts will benefit from this initiative. The EPFO's commitment to evolve and focus on worker-centric innovations was emphasized during the celebration.
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.
Who guards India’s digital gatekeepers?
India has built effective digital systems that facilitate money transfer and identity verification across its diverse population. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding accountability and transparency in government digital platforms. Many argue that mechanisms like competition law may not be suitable for all government services.
Israel votes today: What’s at stake for India as Bibi faces tough fight
Israel's elections on October 27 will significantly affect the country's relationship with India. More than just political outcomes, defense and trade agreements will be critical in bilateral ties. India aims to maintain cooperation regardless of the election's outcomes or the new leadership in Israel. The balance between Israel and Iran remains essential for India's regional strategy and economic interests.
Lula da Silva: A metalworker who rose from poverty to reclaim Brazil's presidency
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth, non-consecutive term as Brazil’s president, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a fiercely contested election. The victory strengthens the left’s position in Latin America amid Donald Trump’s growing influence, marking another remarkable comeback for the former metalworker who overcame corruption convictions and imprisonment.
Ariana Grande’s charity gives $125,000 to support LGBTQ+ rights, mental health and immigrant communities
Ariana Grande has established The Brighter Days Ahead Foundation to aid vulnerable communities in need of support. The foundation focuses on four funding streams, including emergency assistance and mental health services. Recent contributions have included a $125,000 grant to Trans Lifeline to help provide direct assistance to transgender individuals. Grande aims to encourage other donors to contribute as well, improving support for smaller nonprofits.
Silver dividends: How investing in ageing societies can boost growth and cut healthcare costs
As populations age and people work longer, governments can turn longevity into an economic opportunity by investing in accessible infrastructure, reskilling and flexible employment. The proposed “silver multiplier” captures how keeping older people socially and economically engaged can raise output, support entrepreneurship, improve public health and reduce healthcare spending.
Climbing down the Moutai: Is the prestigious Moutai brand crumbling under China's anti-extravagance campaign and economic turmoil?
Moutai, a prominent baijiu brand in China, has experienced significant fluctuations in demand and prices. The brand's popularity is affected by economic changes and government regulations aimed at curbing extravagance. After a golden age, Moutai faced declining profits and revenue for the first time in decades. Many distilleries deregistered recently, indicating a broader market struggle within the sector.
World shares are mixed after Wall Street's AI-related losses, while oil prices jump
Global stock markets displayed a mix of outcomes while oil prices surged due to escalating tensions in Iran. Brent crude soared past $114 per barrel, suggesting growing unease within the energy sector. In the U.S., tech giants like Nvidia and Meta Platforms saw significant declines, raising worries about economic repercussions. Concurrently, U.S.
Urban Company shares slide 7% as Q2 net loss triples YoY on InstaHelp burn. Should you buy, sell or hold?
Urban Company shares fell sharply on Monday after its Q2FY27 net loss more than tripled YoY to Rs 182 crore, driven by investments in InstaHelp. Revenue rose 41% year-on-year to Rs 537 crore. Motilal Oswal maintained a Neutral rating but cut its target price to Rs 165, citing profitability concerns and balanced risk-reward.
Nitin Gadkari's village to become a textile hub? How a handloom project aims to employ 5,000 women and take sarees global
Nitin Gadkari's Dhapewada textile project near Nagpur aims to revive traditional handloom weaving and create employment opportunities for 5,000 women. The initiative produces tussar silk, silk-cotton and cotton sarees and plans to expand into global markets through exports and artificial intelligence. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the project could help weaving families earn nearly Rs 30,000 per month throughout the year.
Househelp@₹100: The 10-minute boom can't sweep aside a math problem
India’s instant househelp startups are scaling rapidly by offering affordable, on-demand domestic services, but steep losses and high customer-acquisition costs are raising questions about whether the model can become profitable. Snabbit spent Rs 195 crore in FY26 against Rs 12.2 crore in operating revenue, while Urban Company’s InstaHelp is also prioritising scale over near-term profits as the sector competes to build a regular household habit.
Dr Doom, who predicted global financial crisis, has a forecast for India
Economist Nouriel Roubini, known as “Dr Doom” for predicting the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, sees India emerging as a major growth story over the coming decades. He believes easing US tariffs, deeper trade ties, friendshoring and continued reforms could strengthen India's economic prospects. However, India must accelerate growth towards 9% to create enough jobs for its young workforce as artificial intelligence reshapes employment and global manufacturers diversify beyond China.
OpenAI flags AI adoption gap in Europe despite 8-fold surge in agent use among small businesses
OpenAI has highlighted a widening opportunity for European businesses to turn growing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption into higher productivity, as AI agents now account for more than half of the output generated through its enterprise and business platforms in the European Union (EU).
Who is Dan Osborn? The Navy veteran and factory mechanic who led Kellogg's workers before entering the Nebraska Senate race in the US midterms
Dan Osborn is campaigning as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska’s 2026 election. He previously gained national attention as a union leader during a significant worker strike at Kellogg's. Osborn's campaign focuses on issues affecting workers, corporate influence in politics, and rising living costs. He is aiming to present an independent voice amidst party politics in Nebraska. Osborn faces Republican Sen.
Only 4% of Indian jobs at risk from AI disruption, far below developed markets: World Bank Group ED
Speaking to on the sidelines of the IndiaAI Mission and World Bank Group's India launch of the World Development Report 2026, Mishra said the report views AI primarily as a technology that can support workers rather than replace them.
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