Amazon Prime Air Goes International: UK Becomes First Drone Hub

Amazon has officially launched its first-ever Prime Air drone delivery service outside the U.S., with Darlington, England chosen as the UK hub. Customers within a 7.5‑mile radius of the fulfillment center can now receive eligible items weighing up to 5 pounds in under 60 minutes via Amazon’s MK30 drone.

Amazon’s drone delivery service, Prime Air, began as a bold vision in 2013 when Jeff Bezos unveiled it on 60 Minutes. Since then, it has evolved through prototypes, regulatory hurdles, pilot programs in the U.S., and international expansions, with the UK launch in 2026 marking its first global rollout.

Before making debut in the UK, Amazon had plans for rollout in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, however Amazon shut down its Italian drone program in late 2025 due to regulatory friction and operational struggles.

Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the UK debut in Darlington became the first international hub in February 2026, allowing deliveries within a 7.5‑mile radius, under 60 minutes, for packages under 5 lbs.

Key Highlights of Amazon Prime Air UK

• Darlington hub: The 465,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center is fitted with advanced robotics and serves as the UK’s drone delivery base.
• First international launch: Announced in 2023, confirmed in 2025, and operational since February 2026.
• Delivery radius: Customers within 7.5 miles (12 km) of the site can opt for drone delivery.
• Eligible items: Millions of products under 5 lbs (2.2 kg), fitting into a shoebox-sized package.
• Speed: Orders arrive in 60 minutes or less.
• Drone model: The MK30, standing 5 feet tall with a 5.5‑foot wingspan, uses detect‑and‑avoid technology to ensure safe navigation.

How the Service Works

Standing roughly five feet tall with a wingspan of about five and a half feet, the MK30 can carry packages weighing up to five pounds.

• Checkout process: Customers see a satellite map of their property with AI‑identified “delivery zones” (garden, yard, or driveway).
• Packaging: Items are packed in custom Prime Air boxes with cushioning for safe aerial drops.
• Flight operations: Each drone undergoes pre‑flight inspections by trained associates.
• Safety: MK30 drones completed over 5,100 test flights and 900 flight hours before commercial rollout.

Strategic Importance

• Expansion milestone: Marks Amazon’s first Prime Air service outside the U.S., signaling global ambitions for autonomous delivery.
• Regulatory approval: Operates under the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s oversight.
• Customer impact: Included at no extra cost for Prime members in the UK, with pricing models to be evaluated as the service scales.

Challenges & Considerations

• Weather dependency: Drone flights may be limited by adverse UK weather conditions.
• Infrastructure limits: Only customers with suitable outdoor delivery zones are eligible.
• Scaling hurdles: Expansion beyond Darlington will require further regulatory approvals and infrastructure investment.

Quick Comparison: Traditional vs Drone Delivery

Delivery Method	Speed	Coverage	Eligibility	Cost
Standard Prime	1–2 days	Nationwide	All addresses	Included
Prime Air Drone	≤ 60 min	7.5‑mile radius	Outdoor zones only	Included (trial phase)

Quick Commerce Unlocks New Markets for Farmers in India’s Northeast

• Instamart takes Northeast's Distinctive Produce Across IndiaMeghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recognises the initiative for expanding market access for the state's farmers
• Plans to bring more GI-tagged produce from the Northeast to consumers across South and West India. 
• Khasi Mandarin, Karbi Anglong Ginger, Tezpur Litchi and Kachai Lemon among products being added in the quick commerce basket

Instamart, India's pioneering quick commerce platform, is expanding in Northeast India. The initiative is aimed at creating new markets for the region's farmers and FPOs while making some of India's most distinctive agricultural produce more accessible to consumers nationwide through sellers onboarded on its platform.

Starting with Meghalaya's premium pineapples, now available to customers in Bengaluru, Instamart is opening up new markets for the region's produce across India. Sourced by sellers through the Jirang Organic Agro Farmer Producer Company (FPO), the pineapples are air-freighted from Meghalaya to Bengaluru. Until now, growers largely relied on demand within the Northeast and wholesale markets in Delhi. By connecting farmer producer organisations directly with consumers in new cities, Instamart is helping expand market access for farmers while introducing more households to the distinctive flavour and quality of Meghalaya's pineapples.

The initiative was recently lauded by Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, in a social media post, which highlighted the effort as an important step towards strengthening market linkages for the state's farmers and showcasing Meghalaya's agricultural identity to a wider audience.

Gautam Swaroop, Chief Business Officer - Instamart, said, "India's Northeast is home to some of the country's most distinctive and high-quality fruits and vegetables, but much of this produce has traditionally remained accessible only within the region or a handful of markets. With Instamart's reach, we have a unique opportunity to bring fresh local produce across the country while creating new market opportunities for farmers and producer organisations. Meghalaya's pineapples are the first step in this journey, and over time, we hope to build a much broader assortment of Northeast produce for customers across India."

Iba Thangkhiew, CEO, Jirang Organic Agro Farmer Producer, said, "For a Farmer Producer Company based in a rural and remote part of Meghalaya, this partnership is a proud milestone. It provides our farmers with direct access to premium markets and ensures that the hard work of our farming community reaches consumers far beyond our state. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Meghalaya, especially the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the concerned departments, for their constant support, guidance, and commitment to creating market opportunities for our farmers. We also sincerely thank the Instamart team for partnering with us and making it possible for our fresh Meghalaya pineapples to reach customers in Bengaluru. This collaboration gives our farmers greater confidence, improves their livelihoods, and showcases the quality of Meghalaya's produce to consumers across India."

Instamart introduced produce from the Northeast earlier this year with Meghalaya pineapples and is now set to expand the selection by working with partners across the region. The company is also in discussions with the Northeastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) to explore opportunities to bring more produce from additional states and farmer producer organisations.

As part of the roadmap, several GI-tagged and region-specific products from the Northeast are being evaluated, including Meghalaya's Khasi Mandarin, Assam's Karbi Anglong Ginger and Tezpur Litchi, and Manipur's Kachai Lemon. The company is also exploring products such as kiwi and garlic from the region as it builds a broader assortment.

Over the next 12 to 24 months, Instamart plans to expand Northeast sourcing across South and West India by partnering with more Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmer collectives and regional agencies.

The initiative will build on Instamart's wider fresh produce sourcing network, which already works with 430+ FPOs and over 10,000 farmers across the country to bring high-quality fruits and vegetables directly to consumers. At Instamart, two-thirds of fruits and vegetables are sourced directly from farmers and FPOs, through more than 55 collection centres- with most farmers having stayed on for six seasons or more. By extending this network to the Northeast, Instamart aims to create sustained demand for the region's premium, GI-tagged produce while making these distinctive products more accessible to households beyond their traditional markets. The model is built on removing layers, not adding them, so a greater share of the earnings flows back to the farmer.

About Instamart

Launched in August 2020, Instamart is India's pioneering quick commerce platform. Present in 131+ cities, Instamart has superior technology and a dedicated delivery fleet to bring groceries and other daily essentials to the doorsteps of Indians.

Amazon Bets Big on India: $48B Investment to Fuel AI, Jobs, and Exports

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy reaffirmed the company’s long‑term commitment to India, announcing a massive $48 billion investment through 2030. This expansion underscores India’s growing importance in Amazon’s global strategy, spanning ecommerce, cloud, AI, and entertainment.

The announcement was made during Amazon CEO's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday in New Delhi.

The latest investment makes Amazon one of the largest global AI and cloud infrastructure investors in India, in addition to being the largest foreign investor in India, the largest enabler of ecommerce exports and one of the biggest job creators in the country.

Strategic Alignment with India’s Priorities

• Leadership Recognition: Jassy thanked Prime Minister Modi for his vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aligning Amazon’s priorities with national goals.
• Digital Empowerment: Since its entry, Amazon has digitized 12 million small businesses, enabled $20 billion in exports, and supported 2.8 million jobs.
• AI & Cloud Expansion: Amazon plans to invest $21 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure, strengthening AWS regions in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Key Impact Metrics

Focus Area	Achievements	2030 Targets
Small Businesses	12M digitized	15M enabled with AI benefits
Exports	$20B cumulative	$80B cumulative
Jobs	2.8M supported	3.8M pledged
Cloud Skills	10M trained	AI education for 4M students

AI & Cloud Infrastructure Push

• Advanced Tech: AWS regions in Mumbai and Hyderabad will host Trainium chips and Amazon Bedrock for scalable AI workloads.
• Enterprise Adoption: Leading firms like Axis Bank, Delhivery, and Physics Wallah already leverage AWS for AI deployment.
• Developer Tools: Platforms like Amazon Kiro and Quick empower rapid AI innovation across India.

Welfare Initiatives: ‘Sammaan’ Program

• Delivery Associates: Scholarships, insurance, and financial inclusion programs enhance welfare.
• Rest Centers: Expansion of Ashray centers to 250 locations for delivery associates.
• Investment: $300M allocated to operations and associate well‑being.

Amazon.in: India’s Most Loved Marketplace

• Customer Reach: Trusted by 100M+ customers and 1.7M sellers, with strong growth in Tier 2 & 3 cities.
• Prime Membership: Expected to double in 2026, with 70% of new members from non‑metro regions.
• Prime Video: India’s largest streaming service for originals, driving new sign‑ups nationwide.

The Big Picture

Amazon’s India journey reflects a transformative partnership between global enterprise and national priorities. With investments in AI, cloud, ecommerce, and welfare, Amazon is positioning itself not just as a marketplace, but as a long‑term growth partner for India’s digital future.

ICICI Lombard Partners Swiggy Instamart to Reinforce 30‑Minute Roadside Assistance

• One of its kind marketing integration designed to bring motor insurance into the everyday digital surfaces where consumers already spend their attention

ICICI Lombard General Insurance has rolled out a brand integration with Swiggy Instamart that reinforces its ‘Service Assure’ 30-minute roadside assistance promise by connecting it with the everyday delivery experience of Mumbai consumers. As shoppers track their orders on the Instamart app, the rider icon moving toward their address now carries ICICI Lombard's branding, accompanied by an in-app banner reinforcing the message — bringing motor insurance into a moment when the consumer is already engaged with the idea of fast, dependable service.

Quick commerce has redefined service benchmarks, with platforms like Swiggy Instamart delivering essentials within minutes. Harping on the same we wanted to highlight that if Swiggy Instamart is known for instant delivery, ICICI Lombard we have a product offering “Service Assured” which is known for road side assistance in 30 minutes. We wanted to leverage the instant proposition

The collaboration reflects a deliberate shift in how the brand is choosing to show up, moving beyond insurance’s traditionally limited touchpoints—when consumers buy a policy or when something goes wrong—both of which are functional and transactional, offering little opportunity to build affinity. The Swiggy Instamart integration seeks to change that by repositioning the brand within moments of routine, daily ease rather than decision or distress, embedding it seamlessly into everyday life. In Mumbai alone, the initiative is expected to deliver over 800,000+ impressions and reach 80,000+ Instamart users and drive approximately, enabling the brand to build consistent, high-frequency visibility at scale within a familiar and convenient consumer context.

What makes the choice of surface interesting is its intentionality. Rather than a generic media buy, the brand has chosen a specific screen, a specific behaviour, and a specific audience. The Instamart tracking screen is one of the most attentively viewed surfaces in urban digital life today — checked frequently, watched closely, and associated with a positive emotional state. It allows ICICI Lombard to be seen in passing, in good light, by exactly the kind of urban consumer Service Assure is built for — without interrupting them.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ms. Sheena Kapoor, Head – Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR, ICICI Lombard, said: "With ICICI Lombard Service Assure, we have made a simple promise to our customers—to reach them with roadside assistance in under 30 minutes. Our collaboration with Swiggy Instamart is a natural extension of that promise. As consumers track their Instamart orders in real time, they'll see our Service Assure message integrated into the delivery journey, connecting our commitment to fast, dependable assistance with an experience they already know and trust. It's a simple yet powerful way of reinforcing that speed isn't just about deliveries—it matters just as much when you're stranded on the road. By bringing our promise into an everyday consumer moment, we're making insurance feel more relevant, more relatable and, above all, demonstrating that when our customers need us most, we will be there—quickly, reliably and with complete peace of mind."

The Swiggy Instamart integration, live in Mumbai as a pilot, continues a marketing approach ICICI Lombard has been shaping over time — one that meets consumers in the cultural and digital spaces they already spend time in, rather than asking them to come to insurance. ‘Service Assure’ which handles typical issues that need road side assistance

1. Car mechanical failure / breakdown and need for towing.
2. Need for Minor on-spot repairs.
3. Flat tyre
4. Battery failure - need for battery jumpstart

‘Service Assure’ promises on-road help within thirty minutes for private car customers across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad, fits naturally within that thinking — and the Mumbai collaboration is the latest, and perhaps most contextually relevant, expression of it.

ICICI Lombard is the leading private general insurance company in the country. The Company offers a comprehensive and well-diversified range of products through multiple distribution channels, including motor, health, crop, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering, and liability insurance. With a legacy of over 2 decades, ICICI Lombard is committed to customer centricity with its brand philosophy of ‘Nibhaye Vaade’. The company has issued over 39.2 million policies, over 3.4 million claims processed and has a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹ 306.18 billion for the year ended March 31, 2026. ICICI Lombard has 341 branches and 15,008 employees, as on March 31, 2026.

ICICI Lombard has been a pioneer in the industry, being the first large-scale insurance company in India to migrate its entire core systems to the cloud. With a strong focus on being digitally-led and agile, the company has introduced multiple AI-powered insurance solutions. The company’s flagship insurance and wellness app, IL TakeCare, which has received over 21.0 million downloads, also offers the industry’s first Face Scan feature. The company has won several prestigious awards- including the Insurance Asia, ICC Emerging Asia Insurance, ET BFSI Exceller, ET Corporate Excellence, Golden Peacock, FICCI Insurance, Assocham, Stevie Asia Pacific, and National CSR in recognition of its various initiatives. For more details log on to https://www.icicilombard.com/.

Nykaa Taps OpenAI for AI Shopping Revolution

Nykaa has announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI (June 16, 2026), integrating its beauty and fashion platforms directly into ChatGPT as connected apps. This collaboration will deliver AI‑driven shopping experiences, personalized recommendations, and enhanced enterprise productivity across Nykaa’s operations. 

Partnership Highlights

• Connected Apps: Nykaa Beauty and Nykaa Fashion are now accessible inside ChatGPT, enabling conversational product discovery and shopping guidance.
• AI Shopping Experiences: Users can ask for skincare, fashion, or fragrance recommendations and receive tailored suggestions powered by OpenAI’s models.
• Enterprise Integration: Nykaa will deploy ChatGPT Enterprise and Codex across marketing, customer support, legal, finance, supply chain, and operations.
• Engineering Boost: Nykaa’s teams will adopt Codex to accelerate AI‑powered software development and product deployment.
• Agentic Commerce: The collaboration will shape lifestyle shopping within OpenAI’s emerging agentic commerce framework, moving beyond “search‑and‑scroll” to conversational, personalized journeys.

Why It Matters

• For Consumers: Personalized shopping journeys, direct access to Nykaa’s catalogue inside ChatGPT, and enhanced tools like Skin Scan, Virtual Try‑On, AskNykaa, and AI Fashion Stylist.
• For Nykaa: New AI‑native distribution channel, improved enterprise productivity, and strengthened position in India’s competitive beauty and fashion e‑commerce market.
• For OpenAI: Expands its footprint in consumer commerce and demonstrates practical deployment of agentic shopping in beauty and fashion.

Strategic Context

• Nykaa Reach: Over 55 million customers and 331 offline stores across India as of March 2026.
• Leadership View: Rajesh Uppalapati (Chief Product & Tech Officer, Nykaa) stated: “Search‑and‑scroll shopping is transitional. The future is conversational, agentic, and deeply personal.”
• OpenAI’s Perspective: Nitin Bwankule (Head of Enterprise Sales – India, OpenAI) emphasized AI’s growing role in product discovery and decision‑making in beauty and fashion.

Risks & Challenges

• Consumer Trust: AI recommendations must balance personalization with transparency to avoid bias.
• Data Privacy: Integration with ChatGPT raises questions about handling sensitive consumer data.
• Execution Timeline: Multi‑year phased rollout may delay full benefits.
• Competitive Pressure: Rivals like Reliance Retail and Tata Cliq may accelerate their own AI commerce strategies.

Next Steps

• Explore Nykaa’s AI Tools: Skin Scan & Virtual Try‑On.
• Compare Global AI Commerce Initiatives: Amazon and Alibaba strategies.

Notably, Nykaa’s existing AI toolkit, which include — Skin Scan, Virtual Try‑On, AskNykaa, and AI Fashion Stylist — is designed to make shopping deeply personalized, while other e-commerce players Amazon and Alibaba are focusing their AI efforts on empowering sellers and streamlining global commerce. Together, these initiatives show how AI is reshaping both consumer experiences and backend operations worldwide.

Nykaa is consumer-facing, using AI to personalize beauty and fashion shopping. Amazon and Alibaba are seller-facing, using AI to empower merchants and optimize logistics. Together, they represent two sides of the AI commerce revolution — personalized discovery vs. operational efficiency.

56% of Online Sellers are Already Using AI Tools to Grow Their Business: Snapdeal Bharat Seller Report 2026

• Report highlights rapid adoption of AI among sellers, rising strength of Bharat markets, and continued growth of value-driven shopping in India’s digital commerce economy

India’s online seller ecosystem is becoming increasingly technology-driven, manufacturing-led, and deeply aligned with the country’s value-conscious consumers, according to the latest “Snapdeal Bharat Seller Report 2026.”

The report, based on a survey of sellers across Bharat who sell on Snapdeal, reveals that artificial intelligence is no longer confined to large enterprises or digital-first brands. Instead, AI adoption is steadily moving into the mainstream among Indian online sellers, with 56% of surveyed sellers already using AI-powered tools in some form to improve their business operations.

The report captures emerging trends shaping India’s digital commerce economy, including AI adoption, online business dependence, marketplace diversification, consumer behaviour, and seller profitability pressures.

“India’s online seller ecosystem is evolving rapidly. Sellers today are far more digitally mature, operationally agile, and increasingly technology-enabled. What is particularly interesting is that AI adoption is now becoming visible even among MSMEs and traditional sellers. At the same time, the continued growth of Bharat markets on the back of rising internet penetration and growing comfort in online transactions among consumers continue to define the next phase of Indian e-commerce,” said Achint Setia, CEO, Snapdeal.

The report highlights that among sellers already using AI, the most common use case was product listings and content creation, cited by 43% of respondents. Sellers are increasingly leveraging AI tools to generate product descriptions, improve cataloguing efficiency, optimise listings, and enhance discoverability on marketplaces.

Online commerce is now central to seller businesses

The report also highlights how deeply online commerce is now embedded within seller business models across India.

Nearly 46% of respondents said more than three-fourths of their overall business sales now come from online channels, underlining the extent to which digital commerce has become a primary route to market for a large segment of sellers.

Importantly, India’s online seller ecosystem continues to remain strongly manufacturing-led. About 66% of surveyed sellers identified themselves as manufacturers selling directly online, showcasing how marketplaces are increasingly enabling small manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs to access customers across the country without relying heavily on traditional distribution networks.

Bharat markets continue to emerge as the key growth engine

The report reinforces a trend that has steadily gathered momentum over the past few years: India’s smaller cities and towns are becoming the biggest growth drivers for digital commerce.

About 51% of sellers said customers from Tier-2, Tier-3, and smaller markets are growing faster for their business compared to metro and Tier-1 consumers.

The findings reflect the widening reach of e-commerce across Bharat, aided by affordable smartphones, improving logistics infrastructure, greater internet penetration, digital payment adoption, and rising comfort with online shopping among consumers in non-metro markets.

Value continues to dominate Indian online shopping behaviour

The report findings also underline the enduring strength of value commerce in India.

While, nearly 49% of sellers said consumers primarily prioritise the best prices and discounts while shopping online, product quality ranked second at 38%, indicating that quality remains a key consideration even for value-conscious consumers.

This trend is also reflected in seller price points. About 66% of respondents operate in categories where the average order value is below ₹500, highlighting the scale and importance of India’s value-conscious consumption economy.

Flipkart Introduces Fingerprint & Face ID Payments with Axis Bank, PayU

• Flipkart has become one of the leading Indian e-commerce platforms to offer biometric authentication for card payments, powered by PayU & Axis Bank
• Customers can now approve Axis Bank card payments using Face ID or fingerprint, eliminating OTP delays and failed attempts
• The biometric authentication feature brings faster approvals backed by device binding and next-gen fraud protection

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, in collaboration with Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India and PayU, India's leading diversified fintech platform, announced the launch of biometric authentication for card payments. Three trusted organizations have joined forces for this initiative, building on their shared history of a consumer first approach, and reinstating their collective commitment to the consumers of India.

The initiative allows users to authenticate transactions using their fingerprint or Face ID on supporting Android and iOS devices, eliminating the need for a one-time password (OTP). The service is enabled first for Axis Bank cardholders through issuer‑level biometric verification. With this launch, Flipkart has become one of the leading major Indian e-commerce platforms to offer biometric authentication for card payments.

The feature offers customers a more secure method of authentication backed by device fingerprinting and enhanced checks, reducing the risk of SIM‑swap or OTP‑based fraud. It addresses significant friction points in digital payments replacing SMS-based OTPs, with a faster and more secured mechanism already familiar to smartphone users. Under this collaboration, PayU manages the merchant-side infrastructure, including device security and authentication flows while Axis Bank leverages Wibmo (a PayU company) to power biometric verification on the issuer side.

Biometric authentication addresses India's alarming digital payment fraud landscape, where fraud values surged more than fivefold to exceed ₹1,400 crore in FY 2024, according to RBI-linked data. In response, the Reserve Bank of India issued the 'Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, 2025' circular, explicitly encouraging adoption of biometric and risk-based authentication over SMS OTPs. Strategically aligned with this regulatory vision, the Flipkart-PayU-Axis Bank partnership enhances security, improves transaction success rates, and creates a more resilient payment ecosystem while fulfilling RBI's mandate for stronger digital authentication mechanisms.


Commenting on the collaboration, Hemang Dattani, Chief Business Officer, PayU Payments, said, “As digital commerce continues to scale in India, simplifying payments without compromising on security is critical. At PayU, we are proud to partner with Flipkart to enable a biometric authentication experience for card payments, helping customers move past long-standing friction associated with OTP-based verification. By combining biometric authentication with enhanced security controls, this partnership marks a meaningful step towards building a faster, more secure and frictionless digital payments experience for Indian consumers.”

Speaking on the launch, Gaurav Arora, Vice President, Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, our approach to innovation is anchored around robust compliance and consumer trust. The integration of the biometric authentication feature reflects our commitment to building safety into consumer payments at a time when digital fraud risks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. By leveraging secure biometric credentials, we are delivering a payment experience that is intuitive and seamless, while meeting the highest standards of consumer protection. As digital commerce continues to scale, our focus remains on enabling faster transactions while reinforcing the regulatory rigour and ecosystem-wide trust that secure payments demand.”

Arnika Dixit, President & Head – Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we are constantly working to reinforce trust and security across every digital touchpoint. Customers today expect digital payments to be not only safe but effortless, and biometric authentication delivers exactly that by enabling a secure, onetouch approval experience. We are delighted to introduce this enhanced capability for our cardholders through our collaboration with Flipkart and PayU. This rollout reflects the strength of our long standing partnership and our shared commitment to elevating industry standards in both security and customer experience. As digital commerce continues to evolve, we remain focused on bringing innovations that make payments simpler, stronger and future ready for our customers.”

This rollout marks a step forward in India’s transition away from OTPs, offering users a smoother way to pay while maintaining high standards of compliance and control. Through this collaboration, Flipkart, Axis Bank and PayU are establishing a strong model for a device‑bound biometric card authentication that can support the next generation of secure digital transactions in India.

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities with a strong technology-first foundation and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money. Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI payments. Beyond shopping, Flipkart continues to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen India’s digital economy.

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 6,275 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,796 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 31st March 2026. The Bank’s Axis Virtual Centre is present across eight centres with 1,591 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 31st March 2026. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

Amazon India Commits $300M to Safer Jobs, Faster Deliveries and AI‑Powered Growth

Amazon India today announced that it plans to invest over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300M) to further strengthen associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing measures while strengthening one of India’s safest, fastest and most reliable operations network. This investment is part of the company’s broader plan to invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on business expansion as well as three strategic pillars: AI-driven digitization, export growth, and job creation. Amazon will continue to expand both its core and quick commerce footprint to continue serving customers across India in minutes, hours, and days. This investment builds on the company’s INR 2000 crore (~USD 233M) investment in 2025, which enabled the launch of 17 new fulfillment centers, six sortation centers, and 75 last-mile delivery stations across India. In 2025, Amazon also launched its quick commerce offering, Amazon Now, and has since scaled it to over 300 micro-fulfillment centers across key cities to enable safer, faster deliveries.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have built one of India’s safest, fastest, and most reliable operations networks, serving customers across every serviceable pin code in the country. At the heart of this network are our people, and we remain committed to raising the bar on associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing. This year, we are investing over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300 million) to further strengthen these efforts, while continuing to scale our operations network and advance the technology that enables faster, safer, and more reliable deliveries for customers. Our initiatives also align with national priorities such as Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, helping expand access to healthcare and financial inclusion for our associates,” said Abhinav Singh, VP - Operations, Amazon India and Australia.

Strengthening associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing

Amazon’s programs and initiatives for associates working across the network have long been aligned with several of the standards notified under the Labour Codes. This latest investment will further strengthen efforts focused on healthcare and financial security for tens of thousands of associates and partners. The efforts in 2026 include scaling Project Ashray to provide accessible rest facilities for delivery associates, expanding health and wellness programs such as Sushruta - a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, along with new initiatives, while enabling access to preventive healthcare through nationwide medical camps. The company is also enhancing medical and accident insurance, while extending financial inclusion and social security access through the Samriddhi program by enabling enrolment in schemes like Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for Amazon associates and community members. In addition, Amazon continues to support education for associates’ children through the Pratidhi scholarship and mentorship program, reinforcing its commitment to holistic well-being across its operations network.

Investing in infrastructure and technology to strengthen operations

Amazon will invest in expanding and upgrading its pan-India operations network—including fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations—to increase capacity and improve delivery speeds for customers in tier 2 and 3 cities across India. These investments will also support sellers and small businesses and contribute to local economic growth. The company also plans to more than double Amazon Now's footprint in the cities it currently operates in and to more cities across India. These investments will enable Amazon to serve customers across a wide range of delivery speeds - from minutes to hours to days, based on their needs.

Amazon's industry-leading facilities are climate controlled and built with advanced engineering systems to improve energy efficiency, enhance workplace safety, and support a more inclusive environment. The company continues to invest in cooling solutions such as enhanced ventilation, fans, spot coolers, access to cold water and hydrating beverages, safety and accessibility features for people with disabilities, and improved rest areas.

Amazon will invest in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to make its operations network safer and more efficient. This includes deploying tools to improve on-road safety through alerts for Delivery Service Partners and delivery associates on unsafe driving behaviors, and prompts for rest breaks, as well as using AI models to assess route complexity and enable more equitable workload distribution. It also includes enhancements to the Driver app with better navigation for unstructured addresses, improved earnings transparency, and simplified workflows.

Know more about Amazon’s initiatives for associates in 2026:

• Expanding rest facilities for delivery associates – Amazon will expand Project Ashray, its network of air-conditioned rest stops, beyond the current 100 locations in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, among others. These facilities provide comfortable seating, clean washrooms, drinking water, charging stations, and first-aid support, serving over 150,000 delivery associates every month, including those outside Amazon’s network.
• Expanding health and wellness support for associates and drivers – Programs such as Sushruta, a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, will continue to expand alongside a new wellness program focused on mental health and ergonomic care.
• Providing access to preventive healthcare – Amazon will offer free health check-ups through nationwide medical camps, extending access to preventive care and building on its 2025 efforts, which included comprehensive health and wellbeing programs for tens of thousands of associates and partners. These ongoing camps provide preventive health screenings (eye, dental, BMI, and physician consultations), hydration guidance, and early detection support.
• Enhancing insurance coverage and wellness support – Amazon plans to strengthen medical and accident insurance for delivery associates working with Delivery Service Partners through upgraded Group Mediclaim and Group Personal Accident policies, with an integrated wellness package among the most comprehensive in the sector.
• Enabling access to financial and social security benefits – Through Samriddhi, Amazon will enable tens of thousands of associates and more than 200,000 community members to access government benefits such as e-Shram cards, health insurance, pension programs, and educational assistance across states including Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, among others.
• Supporting education for associates’ children – Under the Pratidhi program, Amazon will provide scholarships to children of associates from Class 3 to Class 12, including children with disabilities, along with mentorship from Amazon leaders. In 2025 alone, 5000 scholarships were awarded to associates' children.

Uber Riders Can Now Earn Flipkart SuperCoins on Every Eligible Ride

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced a partnership with Uber, one of India’s leading mobility platforms, that allows users to earn SuperCoins on every eligible Uber ride. This initiative advances SuperCoins into a lifestyle loyalty program, allowing users to earn on their daily commute while furthering Flipkart’s vision of building a rewards program akin to India’s loyalty ecosystem; for Uber it adds incremental value to everyday mobility.

• Flipkart users can earn 4% SuperCoins on eligible Uber rides
• Combining Flipkart and Uber’s nationwide reach, this unified rewards ecosystem democratizes value for all Indian consumers
• Rewards can be used across Flipkart, Cleartrip and partners
• Expands SuperCoins into everyday use cases beyond shopping

By linking their Flipkart and Uber accounts, users can earn 4% of their fare as SuperCoins on every eligible ride, up to 150 coins per trip, with no cap on total earnings. These SuperCoins are credited directly to the user’s Flipkart account and can be redeemed across the Flipkart ecosystem, including Flipkart Minutes, Cleartrip and partner offerings.

This collaboration features limited-time incentives wherein new Uber users, or those who haven’t utilized the app in the last 84 days, can earn 150 bonus SuperCoins by completing their first ride within 28 days of linking accounts. Additionally, users who link their Flipkart and Uber accounts between April 15 and April 30, 2026, and complete their first ride within 28 days, can earn an additional 50 bonus SuperCoins.

Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Arora, Vice President, Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said, “SuperCoins is evolving into a broader rewards layer across everyday use cases. Mobility is a natural extension, and this partnership with Uber allows us to integrate more seamlessly into how customers transact daily. Over time, we will continue expanding SuperCoins across categories to drive deeper engagement across the ecosystem.”

Arnab Kumar, Director Business Development, Uber India and South Asia, said, “At Uber, we are focused on making everyday mobility more seamless and valuable for our users. This integration with Flipkart allows us to extend additional benefits to riders in a simple and intuitive way, while building on how users engage with everyday services across platforms."

This partnership brings together two high-frequency consumer platforms, extending rewards into everyday use cases like mobility. It reflects a broader shift towards integrating value more seamlessly into how users engage across categories.

About the Flipkart Group

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities with a strong technology-first foundation and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money. Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI payments. Beyond shopping, Flipkart continues to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen India’s digital economy.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in more than 125 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide - helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions - while enabling more than 1.5 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Amazon Air Expands to Northeast India, Delivery Speeds to Become 5x Faster

• Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, flags off inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati
• Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo network
• Expansion will also enable small businesses and entrepreneurs from the region to better serve customers across India

Amazon today announced the expansion of Amazon Air to Northeast India with new air cargo routes connecting Kolkata and Guwahati, further strengthening its logistics infrastructure and connectivity across the region. The addition of dedicated air capacity will significantly improve delivery speed and reliability, enabling customers across the Northeast to access Amazon’s vast selection of products with faster and more consistent delivery.

The service will support deliveries across all seven sister states —Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura — through Amazon’s integrated air and surface transportation network. By combining dedicated air capacity with its multimodal logistics infrastructure, Amazon expects to reduce transit times and increase delivery speeds by up to five times, bringing customers across the region faster access to a wide selection of products — from everyday essentials to smartphones, consumer electronics, fashion & beauty and more.

The inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati was flagged off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, alongside Abhinav Singh, Vice President – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon and Chetan Krishnaswamy, VP Public Policy, Amazon India.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation and Abhinav Singh, VP, Operations India and Australia, Amazon at the expansion announcement of Amzon air to Guwahati

“With Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji’s priority focus on the North-East through the vision of ‘Act East, Act Fast, Act First’, infrastructure and connectivity in the North-Eastern region have grown multifold. Today, every state in the North-East has an airport and the number of operational airports has increased from 9 in 2014 to 16 today. Given the North East’s immense potential in horticulture and cargo exports, today’s launch of Amazon Air’s cargo route from Delhi to Guwahati will further support the farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the North-East. The Government has also taken several significant interventions to encourage air cargo growth in the country. In Budget 2026, special emphasis has been placed on building air cargo infrastructure and warehousing capacity to strengthen logistics for perishable and high-value products. Additionally, the value cap on courier exports has been removed which will help boost cross-border e-commerce. And I congratulate Amazon for adding to air freight network of the country with today’s milestone launch,” said Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation.

“Enhanced logistics connectivity plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding market access for businesses, and employment across the Northeast. For sellers in the region, the introduction of Amazon Air services to Guwahati will enable enterprises to connect with customers nationwide. Improved fulfillment speeds will allow businesses to reach a wider customer base and participate more meaningfully in India’s rapidly growing digital economy, while also bringing the benefits of faster and more reliable deliveries to customers and communities across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Such advancements in logistics infrastructure are also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for local youth. It is hoped that the operationalization of Amazon Air services will further contribute to job creation and support the overall economic growth of the region," said Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Assam.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have consistently invested in building one of India’s largest logistics networks to serve customers wherever they live. The expansion of Amazon Air to the Northeast is a natural progression of those investments and reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity across the country. It also aligns with the Government’s focus on improving logistics infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunity in the region. For customers, this means access to Amazon’s vast selection at 5x better speeds than before, while sellers and entrepreneurs in the Northeast can now reach customers across India faster and more reliably,” said Abhinav Singh, VP – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon.

More About Amazon Air

Amazon Air launched in India in 2023 and has since strengthened the country’s e-commerce logistics network. Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo fleet. With two narrow-body freighters, Amazon Air moves tens of thousands of packages daily, enabling safer, faster and more reliable deliveries. Its overnight routes connect major metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Pune. Amazon also operates air-rail multimodal connections, with onward reach to cities such as Delhi, Guwahati and other parts of the country. Including belly cargo partnerships, Amazon’s air network now serves over 100 origin-destination pairs across India.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company, Earth's best employer, and Earth's safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Blinkit Secures ₹450 Cr Infusion from Eternal in 2026’s First Funding Round

Eternal (formerly Zomato) has infused ₹450 crore (~$50 million) into its quick commerce arm Blinkit via a rights issue, marking its first capital injection in 2026. This follows a massive ₹2,600 crore investment in 2025, underscoring Eternal’s aggressive push to dominate India’s fast-growing 10-minute delivery market.

Key Highlights

• Amount Invested: ₹450 crore (~$50 million)
• Mode: Rights issue; Blinkit allotted 2,799 equity shares to Eternal at ₹16,07,161 per share
• Timing: First capital infusion in 2026
• Past Investments: Eternal pumped ₹2,600 crore in 2025 (₹500 crore in Jan, ₹1,500 crore in Feb, ₹600 crore in Nov)
• Competition: Rising rivalry with Zepto and Instamart in the quick commerce space

Strategic Context

• Market Dynamics: Quick commerce is one of India’s fastest-growing segments, with 10-minute delivery becoming the industry benchmark.
• Blinkit’s Growth: Reported 117% YoY revenue growth in Q3 FY25, but continues to face profitability pressures due to rapid expansion and high operational costs.
• Eternal’s Strategy: By consistently infusing capital, Eternal is signaling long-term commitment to Blinkit, positioning it as a core pillar alongside food delivery.

Comparison of Eternal’s Investments in Blinkit

Year	Infusion Amount	Mode	Strategic Intent
2025	₹2,600 crore (3 tranches)	Rights issue	Scale operations, expand delivery network
2026	₹450 crore	Rights issue	Strengthen position amid intensifying competition

Risks & Challenges

• Profitability Concerns: Despite revenue growth, Blinkit’s unit economics remain weak, with high delivery costs.
• Competitive Pressure: Zepto and Instamart are aggressively expanding, forcing Eternal to keep investing heavily.
• Capital Dependence: Blinkit’s reliance on Eternal’s funding raises questions about sustainability if external capital markets tighten.

India’s quick commerce sector is booming, with Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart competing for dominance. Zepto and Instamart are expanding aggressively, forcing Eternal to keep funding Blinkit’s growth. Despite strong revenue growth (117% YoY in Q3 FY25), Blinkit continues to face challenges with unit economics and high delivery costs.

Blinkit’s reliance on Eternal’s capital raises sustainability concerns. Zepto and Instamart’s expansion could erode Blinkit’s market share if Eternal slows funding.

Despite revenue growth, Blinkit’s path to profitability remains uncertain. Eternal must balance aggressive expansion with profitability, as rivals are raising funds and scaling rapidly.

In 2026, as Eternal has already infused ₹450 crore into Blinkit, its rivals Zepto and Swiggy Instamart are pursuing aggressive funding and IPO strategies. Zepto is preparing for a ₹11,000 crore IPO, and Swiggy is targeting Instamart break-even by mid-2026 despite heavy losses.

Zepto (2026)

• Funding: Raised $450M (~₹3,750 Cr) in late 2025 at a $7B valuation, led by CalPERS.
• IPO Plans: Filed confidential DRHP with SEBI, aiming for a ₹11,000 crore IPO in 2026 at $7–8B valuation.
• Cash Position: Holds ~$900M net cash, giving strong liquidity ahead of IPO.

Swiggy Instamart (2026)

• Financials: Reported ₹908 Cr loss in Q3 FY26, highlighting profitability challenges.
• Growth: Gross Order Value (GOV) grew 108% YoY, with Average Order Value (AOV) up 26% YoY.
• Profitability Target: Swiggy aims for Instamart break-even by June 2026, supported by a planned ₹10,000 crore fundraise.

Competitive Snapshot

Company	2026 Update	Funding/IPO	Strategic Focus
Eternal–Blinkit	₹450 Cr infusion (Mar 2026)	Rights issue	Expansion, working capital
Zepto	Preparing IPO	₹11,000 Cr IPO planned	Liquidity & market leadership
Swiggy Instamart	₹908 Cr Q3 FY26 loss	₹10,000 Cr fundraise	Break-even by June 2026

Risks & Challenges

• Eternal–Blinkit: Heavy reliance on Eternal’s capital; profitability remains elusive.
• Zepto: IPO execution risk; valuation pressure in volatile markets.
• Instamart: Large losses despite growth; break-even target ambitious.

Why Accurate Delivery Tracking Builds Customer Confidence?

After placing an order, customers enter a waiting phase filled with expectations. They want reassurance that their purchase is moving as promised. When updates are unclear or delayed, uncertainty begins to replace excitement. This moment often determines how customers judge the logistics service experience.

Accurate updates remove this uncertainty by replacing assumptions with verified updates. Delivery tracking gives customers a clear view of shipment progress from dispatch to delivery. As businesses manage higher volumes of orders across multiple locations, consistency becomes critical.

Reliable visibility ensures customers feel informed rather than left guessing. This transparency strengthens trust at every stage of the delivery journey. Below are the key reasons accurate updates play such a vital role in building confidence.

5 Reasons Accurate Delivery Tracking Strengthens Customer Confidence

Shipment visibility acts as a shared source of information for customers and businesses. It ensures everyone refers to the same status at the same time. Each confirmed scan adds clarity rather than confusion. This alignment directly influences how customers judge service quality.

1. Reducing Waiting Period Uncertainty
   The waiting phase often creates uncertainty, especially without clear updates. Real-time delivery tracking reassures customers by showing steady progress, reducing anxiety, and building confidence.
   
   Transparent updates replace vague promises with visible movement, strengthening trust at every stage. Proactive alerts during delays prevent frustration and show honesty.
   
   Tracking also gives customers a sense of control, allowing them to plan independently. This transparency improves emotional satisfaction and gradually builds long-term loyalty toward the logistics provider.
2. Reflecting Reliability and Professionalism
   Consistent delivery updates signal well-organized and accountable operations. Accurate delivery tracking reflects attention to detail across logistics workflows. Customers associate this level of precision with professionalism and careful handling of shipments.
   
   When updates are timely and accurate, confidence in the provider increases. Reliability plays a major role in customer retention. Over time, predictable delivery experiences and professional communication reinforce credibility and position the logistics provider as a dependable choice.
   
   This operational discipline also supports scalability, enables smoother coordination across regions, and assures customers that service quality remains consistent as delivery volumes grow.
3. Reducing Support Queries and Delivery Disputes
   Many customer support requests arise due to missing or unclear delivery information. Clear delivery tracking answers common questions automatically, reducing the need for direct support interactions.
   
   Customers can access updates instantly instead of waiting for responses. This lowers frustration and eases pressure on support teams. A detailed digital tracking history also minimizes delivery disputes.
   Documented timelines are easy to verify, preventing conflicts and improving overall operational efficiency.
4. Encouraging Repeat Purchases Through Consistent Experiences
   Consistent and transparent delivery experiences strongly influence repeat purchases. When customers regularly receive accurate updates and reliable timelines, trust builds with every interaction.
   
   Delivery tracking reduces uncertainty and reinforces confidence throughout the journey. Customers naturally return to logistics providers that deliver predictable, stress-free experiences. This consistency improves satisfaction and loyalty.
   
   Over time, dependable delivery performance becomes a key factor in retention and long-term business growth. It also strengthens brand perception, supports positive word-of-mouth, and helps businesses differentiate themselves in competitive markets where service reliability directly impacts customer choice.
5. Protecting Sensitive and High-value Shipments
   As many businesses depend on faster deliveries and cold-chain services, accurate delivery tracking plays a critical role in protecting service quality.
   
   Real-time visibility allows continuous monitoring of temperature-sensitive and high-value consignments from origin to destination. Businesses can track movement through key facilities and line-haul routes, supporting compliance and audit requirements.
   
   For time-critical shipments, this transparency strengthens customer confidence. Integrated tracking platforms also create a shared source of truth between businesses and logistics providers.

Strengthen Customer Confidence Through Reliable Delivery Updates

Accurate delivery tracking influences how customers feel long after checkout, shaping trust, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty. When customers receive timely and clear updates, they feel informed and confident about their purchase decisions. This confidence reduces post-purchase anxiety and strengthens their overall perception of the brand.

Informed customers are more likely to place repeat orders and share positive experiences with others, driving recommendations and sustained growth. Choosing the right logistics partner plays a critical role in delivering this experience.

Logistics service providers like DTDC support businesses with reliable tracking, consistent updates, and a wide delivery network. This visibility helps brands maintain credibility across regions. Clear and accurate delivery tracking transforms shipping into a dependable experience that reassures customers, reinforces brand reliability, and supports long-term customer relationships.

Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures-backed Velocity Commits ₹100 Cr to Scale AI-Led Shipping, Targets 5X Growth in 2026

Velocity, India’s leading e-commerce enablement platform has announced a ₹100 crore investment to scale Velocity Shipping (formerly Shipfast), as it doubles down on advancing faster, more reliable and transparent AI-led logistics for digital-first brands. The investment will be deployed over the next 2 years and will be funded entirely through internal cash reserves and revenues from Velocity’s core businesses.

Since its launch in 2025, Velocity Shipping has seen strong adoption, with 900+ brands onboarded so far, with around 60% of these coming from Velocity’s existing ecosystem. The platform is currently witnessing 70% month-on-month growth in order volumes and now contributes nearly 40% of Velocity’s overall revenues. In December 2025 alone, Velocity Shipping processed over 10 lakh orders, placing Velocity among India’s top three shipping aggregators by order volume.

To support this momentum, the ₹100 crore investment will be directed toward strategic hiring, product development, and AI-led innovation across the logistics value-chain. Velocity plans to double its shipping team and has already made senior hires from NimbusPost, Pickrr, Delhivery and Shiprocket as it strengthens its shipping and last-mile capabilities. The company is also targeting a 5x increase in monthly shipping volumes in CY26.

“We started Velocity by solving one of the biggest bottlenecks for digital-first brands: access to capital. As we worked closely with thousands of founders, it became clear that logistics and fulfilment were equally critical constraints to growth, but existing solutions needed to evolve to better support digital-first brands. Velocity Shipping was built as a strong, operator-first alternative to existing shipping solutions, with reliability and accountability at its core,” said Abhiroop Medhekar, Co-Founder and CEO, Velocity.

“Its rapid adoption has reinforced our belief in shipping as a major growth engine for Velocity. This ₹100 crore commitment reflects our long-term conviction to double down on shipping as we build category-defining digital infrastructure for India's e-commerce ecosystem,” Medhekar added.

Logistics has become a Growth Bottleneck for D2C Brands

Rising consumer expectations around delivery speed have fundamentally reshaped how digital-first brands compete online. Faster Shipping directly impacts purchase completion, customer experience, delivery performance and repeat purchases. Yet brands were expected to deal with missed pickups, fake delivery attempts, slow escalations and delayed COD settlements -often shrugged off as ‘industry reality’.

This gap has tangible business consequences for D2C businesses, directly impacting growth and customer trust. According to the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 by DHL eCommerce, 81% of shoppers abandon their carts if their preferred delivery option isn’t available.

Velocity Shipping was co-created with brands from Velocity’s own portfolio to address these challenges through a tech-first, transparent approach to logistics.

How Velocity Shipping fills the gap

Velocity Shipping enables same-day, next-day, express and standard deliveries helping brands meet rising consumer expectations without adding operational complexity. The platform works with multiple third-party logistics (3PL) partners, including Delhivery, Ekart, Amazon, Blue Dart, Blitz, Pikndel and XpressBees, allowing brands to access the best-performing courier networks across regions through a single interface and and serves over 19,000 pincodes pan-India.

A central differentiation in how the platform solves long-standing inefficiencies across the shipping lifecycle is its AI-powered intervention layer, which operates across the entire order journey. The system validates addresses, uses local-language voice agents (Vani AI developed by Velocity’s in-house tech team) to urge the conversion of COD orders to prepaid, and automatically verifies non-delivery reports. When a shipment is marked as an NDR or RTO, the system automatically triggers an AI call to the customer to verify the issue, helping identify false delivery attempts or premature returns.

AI-led calling helps solve failed deliveries and reduce RTO’s

Orders verified via WhatsApp and AI-led calls are delivered at 1.85x the rate of unverified orders, based on over 2.4 lakh AI-assisted verification calls completed on the platform. This proactive intervention with the platform has achieved 60-70% recovery of failed deliveries where the buyer is still interested and a 8-10 percentage point reduction in return-to-origin rates, directly impacting both customer experience and brand profitability for digital-first brands.

Velocity Shipping also tackles one of the biggest pain points in logistics for digital-first businesses: transparency and opacity in shipping aggregation models. In traditional models, weight discrepancies raised by courier partners often result in automatic deductions, with brands left to reconcile charges later. Velocity Shipping reverses this approach. Billing adjustments are made only after an AI-led verification of sorter images supplied by the courier partners, ensuring discrepancies are reviewed, validated, and resolved transparently.

Founded in 2020, Velocity has evolved into a full-stack growth enablement platform for digital-first brands across capital, logistics, insights and AI-led solutions. Its financing business is expected to turn profitable in CY26.

About Velocity

Velocity is India’s leading e-commerce enablement platform, empowering digital-first businesses with fast, flexible non-dilutive capital, logistics, and AI-powered tools to scale efficiently. Founded in 2020 by IIT Bombay alumni Abhiroop Medhekar, Atul Khichariya, and Saurav Swaroop, Velocity’s mission is to accelerate the growth of India’s e-commerce ecosystem.

Backed by Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures, Velocity has raised $30+ Million so far and has partnered with 4,000+ D2C and digital-first brands, disbursing over ₹1,100 crore in funding. Beyond capital, the company offers a comprehensive suite of products—Velocity Shipping for AI-driven shipping and logistics, Velocity Insights for actionable business intelligence and Vani AI, an AI-powered telecalling solution for personalized customer engagement. Some of the leading D2C brands Velocity has supported include Frido, Bellavita, Koskii, Bewakoof, Soulflower, Rynox Gears, NasherMiles, Hammer, Zlade, The Bear House, Off Duty, and Chumbak.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocity.in/

For Real Raises ₹3.2 Crore Pre-Seed from Titan Capital to Redefine Value Shopping in India

• INR 3.2 Crores of funding raised in the pre-seed funding round
• Titan Capital invested in For Real, backing its approach to branded value shopping in India.
• Funding to scale technology, expand brand collections, and drive early user adoption

For Real, an online factory outlet marketplace redefining branded value shopping in India, has raised INR 3.2 crore in a Pre-Seed funding round from Titan Capital. The fresh capital will be utilised to build and scale the company’s technology platform and drive early user adoption.

As India’s fashion and D2C ecosystem moves at fast-fashion speed, with more frequent collections and greater experimentation, inventory creation has evolved far faster than inventory clearance. While merchandising has modernised, liquidation in many cases remains anchored in legacy practices reminiscent of the early 2000s, opaque, fragmented, and often reliant on unorganised channels, highlighting the need for more structured approaches to managing unsold inventory.

Founded by Anurag Sheth and Mohit Sheth, For Real is building a dedicated online factory outlet marketplace that separates liquidation from primary commerce. The platform enables brands to liquidate excess inventory in a predictable and transparent manner, without impacting their core sales channels. For consumers, it offers a discovery-led value shopping experience focused on branded products rather than random discount-led browsing.

“We have backed Anurag and Mohit because they have a clear understanding of a real and persistent problem brands face with excess inventory. They are building a structured, tech-led off-price marketplace with a strong focus on brand integrity, rather than short-term liquidation. As the industry evolves, their clarity of thinking and disciplined approach to solving this problem gives us confidence in For Real’s long-term potential.” - Titan Capital Spokesperson.

Anurag Sheth, CEO and Co-Founder, For Real, said, For Real is India’s first online factory outlet marketplace, built to fundamentally change how brands liquidate inventory and how consumers discover value. We’re building a paradigm shift; a brand-safe channel that separates liquidation from fresh merchandise and cuts the need for brands to hoard unsold inventory for months or dilute their primary channels

While most e-commerce marketplaces in India are optimised for fresh inventory with predictable replenishment cycles, liquidation inventory behaves very differently. Forcing both inventory types into the same browsing and discovery flows has resulted in cluttered feeds, poor discovery, and friction-heavy experiences for value-first shoppers, given the long-tail nature of off-price inventory with a high number of styles and limited stock per style. For Real is designing its platform with this context in mind, building a purpose-led discovery experience tailored specifically to off-price inventory.

Mohit Sheth, CTO and Co-Founder, For Real, said, Value shopping in India has been broken for years; cluttered feeds, poor discovery, and experiences that make finding the right product at the right price harder than it should be. At For Real, we’re building a purpose-designed discovery engine that simplifies choice, surfaces the right products faster, and removes friction for value-first shoppers. The result is a significantly faster shopping journey that translates into a superior customer experience

About For Real:

For Real is an organised off-price marketplace built to help brands liquidate excess inventory efficiently while protecting long-term brand equity. Designed as a dedicated channel separate from primary commerce, the platform enables legacy and D2C brands to clear unsold inventory in a structured and predictable manner. For consumers, For Real offers access to premium brands at compelling prices through a discovery-led value shopping experience. By bringing transparency, reliability, and scale to off-price retail, For Real aims to reshape how branded excess inventory is managed in India.

Anurag Sheth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anurag-sheth/

Mohit Sheth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitshethh/


About Titan Capital:

Titan Capital is a venture capital firm which invests behind world-class entrepreneurs aiming to create a wide-scale positive impact on India and the world. Titan Capital typically partners with founders at the pre-seed and seed stages and supports them through the entire company-building journey. Titan Club’s portfolio spans over 250+ companies across India and the US covering sectors such as consumer internet, AI, SaaS, brands, fintech and logistics. Titan Capital’s notable investments include Mamaearth, Ola, Razorpay, Urban Company, Shadowfax, OfBusiness, Credgenics, Giva, Invideo and many others.

Amazon Commits $35B to India: AI, Exports, and Millions of Jobs by 2030

Amazon has announced it will invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on AI-driven digitization, boosting exports to $80 billion, and creating millions of jobs.

• Scale of investment: Over $35 billion by 2030, building on nearly $40 billion already invested since 2010.
• Strategic pillars:
  • AI-driven digitization – extending AI benefits to 15 million small businesses.
  • Exports growth – cumulative exports expected to reach $80 billion by 2030.
  • Job creation – between 1 million to 3.8 million new jobs projected.
• Broader impact: Amazon has already digitized 12 million small businesses and enabled $20 billion in exports from India.
• Global context: This comes right after Microsoft’s $17.5 billion AI and cloud investment in India, signaling a competitive race among tech giants.

Why India?

• Digital-first economy: India’s rapid adoption of cloud and AI makes it a hotspot for global tech firms.
• Manufacturing & exports: Amazon sees India as a hub for e-commerce exports, leveraging its seller base to reach global markets.
• Workforce potential: With a young, tech-savvy population, India offers a massive talent pool for AI and cloud expansion.

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory hurdles: India’s evolving digital competition laws and data localization rules could complicate operations.
• Infrastructure gaps: Despite progress, cloud and AI adoption in smaller cities may face bandwidth and training challenges.
• Competitive landscape: Reliance Jio, Flipkart, and other domestic players are aggressively expanding in cloud and AI, intensifying competition.
• Geopolitical factors: Trade tensions and global supply chain disruptions could affect export targets.

Strategic Impact

• For India: This is one of the largest foreign investments ever, reinforcing India’s position as a global digital hub.
• For Amazon: Strengthens its foothold in a high-growth market, diversifies away from slower Western economies, and positions itself as a leader in AI-enabled commerce.
• For small businesses: Access to AI tools, global markets, and digital infrastructure could transform MSMEs into export-ready enterprises.

Tata Steel’s B2MSME E--Commerce Platform, DigECA, Crosses ₹1,000 Crore GMV

Tata Steel today announced a significant milestone for its B2MSME e-commerce platform, DigECA, which has surpassed ₹1,000 crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in the current financial year (FY26). The platform has also recorded over 160 kilo tonnes (KT) in sales and onboarded more than 3,500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) customers, underscoring its growing role as a catalyst in the digital transformation journey of India’s MSMEs, known as Emerging Corporate Accounts (ECAs) within Tata Steel.

Designed to make steel buying simple, transparent and efficient, DigECA offers ECAs an integrated, omni-channel experience with features such as embedded financing options, real-time order visibility, and dedicated technical support. The platform primarily focuses on flat steel products including Tata Astrum, Tata Steelium, and Galvano, bringing together quality assurance and digital convenience under one ecosystem.

Prabhat Kumar, Vice President - Marketing & Sales (Flat Products), Tata Steel, said: “Surpassing ₹1,000 crore GMV and 160 KT in sales is a testament to the trust our ECA customers place in DigECA. This platform is not just about transactions - it’s about building meaningful relationships, enhancing customer experience through seamless integration of MSME value chain, and aligning our services with their evolving business needs.”

Since its pilot launch in fourth quarter of Financial Year 2024-25, DigECA has registered a 30x growth, driven by Tata Steel’s relentless focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and digital enablement. The platform’s growth mirrors Tata Steel’s broader vision to digitalise the steel supply chain and promote inclusive growth across India’s industrial ecosystem.

With DigECA, Tata Steel continues to lead the way in digital transformation, equipping ECAs with the right tools, services, and support to achieve their business aspirations and contribute to India’s industrial progress.

Why e-commerce Companies In India are Upgrading to Smarter Payment Gateways

Indian e-commerce has witnessed rapid growth in recent years as more consumers move online for everything from essentials to luxury items. At the heart of every successful transaction is a payment gateway in India that enables fast secure payments while meeting rising expectations for convenience and reliability.

As competition increases and customer habits evolve, e-commerce companies are recognising the need for smarter payment gateways in India. These solutions offer multiple payment options and advanced security while enabling instant refunds, real-time analytics and seamless integration with various sales platforms.

The right payment gateway can boost sales, reduce abandoned carts and enhance brand trust. Knowing the reasons behind business upgrades to payment infrastructure is essential for staying ahead in an evolving marketplace.

The changing face of Indian e-commerce

The Indian e-commerce sector has evolved beyond simply offering products online. Today's shoppers expect fast checkouts, flexible payment options and complete security for their data. As mobile shopping becomes the norm and digital wallets, UPI and Buy Now Pay Later grow in popularity, businesses need a payment gateway that can keep up with evolving innovations.

Legacy payment gateways were built for basic card processing and standard bank transfers. In contrast, a modern payment gateway in India delivers a superior experience by supporting multiple payment modes, instant refunds and advanced security features. E-commerce businesses are now recognising that their choice of payment partner is as critical as their product range or website design.

Why the right payment gateway matters for e-commerce success

A smooth and dependable payment process is key to earning customer trust and increasing conversions in online retail. As customers demand faster checkouts and greater security, choosing the right payment gateway has become critical for e-commerce businesses looking to stay ahead. The right partner helps reduce abandoned carts, supports multiple payment options and strengthens brand loyalty.

With competition growing and technology advancing quickly, businesses cannot afford to overlook their payment infrastructure. An efficient payment gateway streamlines operations and helps maintain compliance with evolving regulations. Upgrading your gateway is an investment that supports growth, improves customer satisfaction and gives your e-commerce brand a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

Key features driving the shift to smarter payment gateways in India

As e-commerce in India evolves, businesses must choose payment solutions that meet both customer expectations and operational demands. The latest payment gateways in India come packed with features that make every transaction faster, safer and easier for both merchants and buyers.

Below are the essential advantages that set smarter payment gateways apart from older solutions:

Faster and smoother checkouts

Speed is crucial in e-commerce. A modern payment gateway in India is built to reduce checkout friction with quick load times, fewer redirects and support for one-click payments for returning customers.

With a large portion of Indian shoppers now transacting via smartphones, mobile-optimised payment flows are essential. A seamless experience ensures customers can complete purchases without hassle, directly increasing conversion rates and reducing the likelihood of abandoned carts.

Support for new payment methods

Today's shoppers expect a variety of ways to pay. An advanced payment gateway enables credit or debit cards alongside UPI, digital wallets, EMI, Pay Later and net banking.

By bringing these options together in a single interface, businesses can meet the needs of diverse audiences. This flexibility is especially important for younger buyers and shoppers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who often prefer UPI or wallets over traditional cards.

Reliability and high success rates

Payment failures cause frustration and may deter repeat purchases. Smarter payment gateways in India use features such as intelligent routing, backup servers and real-time error monitoring to ensure high success rates for transactions. Many leading providers now publish their uptime and performance statistics giving e-commerce brands the data needed to choose a reliable partner.

Fraud prevention and security

With increased online transactions comes increased risk. A payment gateway must prioritise security through PCI DSS compliance, tokenisation, two-factor authentication and live fraud monitoring. These measures protect both customer data and business revenue, building trust and long-term loyalty.

Instant refunds and easy settlements

Efficient handling of refunds and settlements is a critical part of customer service. Some of the best payment gateways in India allow for instant or same-day refunds, real-time settlement dashboards and automated reconciliation. This helps businesses manage cash flow, speeds up returns for buyers and keeps communication transparent.

Advanced analytics and seamless integration

Informed decisions come from actionable insights. Leading payment gateways in India provide real-time analytics dashboards, advanced integration with ERP or accounting software and detailed transaction reports. These tools empower companies to optimise payment processes, spot trends and address issues quickly.

Regulatory compliance

Staying compliant with changing regulations is non-negotiable. Smarter payment gateways support automated GST invoicing, tax reporting and always stay updated with the latest RBI and data privacy mandates. This automation simplifies business operations and lets e-commerce brands focus on growth.

Upgrade your payment experience with a smarter payment gateway

Switching to a smarter payment gateway in India is no longer just an option for e-commerce companies aiming to grow in India's fast-changing retail environment. The right gateway supports multiple payment methods, provides strong security and ensures rapid checkouts across all devices. It delivers real-time insights to help businesses adapt quickly to market demands and regulatory changes. A modern payment gateway is a strategic partner that powers business growth, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Payment gateways like Pine Labs Online offer the advanced solutions today's e-commerce brands need to stay ahead. As consumer expectations keep rising, an advanced and flexible payment gateway in India gives your business the advantage to grow and succeed with confidence.