Swiggy’s Lightning-Fast ‘Bolt’ Service Hits 500+ Cities, Outpaces Zomato’s Now-Defunct Instant Delivery

Quick Commerce

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May 5, 2025

Image of bolt. — Swiggy’s Lightning-Fast ‘Bolt’ Service Hits 500+ Cities, Outpaces Zomato’s Now-Defunct Instant Delivery

In under seven months, Swiggy’s 10-minute delivery experiment, Bolt, has gone from a pilot project to a national phenomenon. Now live in more than 500 cities — from big metros to tier-2 towns — Bolt has rapidly scaled just as Zomato quietly wrapped up its own quick delivery effort, blaming lukewarm demand and poor margins.

Bolt is not just about speed — it’s about smart execution. With a sharp focus on high-demand, quick-prep items, Bolt operates within a tight 2-km radius to ensure food arrives hot and fresh. So far, it’s partnered with over 45,000 restaurants, including big chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Burger King, Faasos, and Curefoods.

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Swiggy’s Food Marketplace CEO, Rohit Kapoor, explained why Bolt is working: “It’s not just the thrill of speed. It’s about getting your food hot, fast, and in perfect condition. We’ve built the backend to make that happen like clockwork.”

From biryanis and dosas to shakes, wraps, and sandwiches, Bolt’s menu spans 26 cuisines and features over 47 lakh dishes. The goal: give people what they crave, when they crave it — without the wait.

“People don’t want to compromise anymore. If you’re hungry, you want it now — and you want it done right,” Kapoor said. He called Bolt’s scale-up to 500 cities in mere months “nothing short of amazing.”

And it’s not just customers who are happy — restaurant partners are reporting noticeable boosts in efficiency. Order fulfilment times are dropping, wait times are shorter, and customer repeat rates are rising. For Swiggy, Bolt isn’t just a flashy feature — it’s becoming a core part of the business. Data shows that users who come to the platform through Bolt are 4–6% more likely to stick around compared to other users.

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While some competitors are stepping away from ultra-fast delivery, Swiggy’s full-throttle push suggests the company sees Bolt not as a gimmick — but as the future of food delivery in India.

Apple Doubles Down on India: Tim Cook Announces New Stores and Reveals Most iPhones Sold in the U.S. Will Be Made in India

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May 5, 2025

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Image of Iphone — Apple Doubles Down on India: Tim Cook Announces New Stores and Reveals Most iPhones Sold in the U.S. Will Be Made in India

Apple is gearing up to expand its physical footprint in India, with new retail stores set to open later this year. The update came straight from CEO Tim Cook during the company’s latest earnings call, hinting at a broader strategy that positions India as both a key market and a manufacturing powerhouse in Apple’s global playbook.

“In addition to the two stores we opened this quarter, we’re excited about upcoming launches — a new store in the UAE, an online store in Saudi Arabia, and additional Apple locations in India coming later this year,” Cook said.

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While he kept the details vague, insiders say Apple is preparing to open stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Noida, and a second outlet in Mumbai — part of a multi-city push following the splashy debut of its first Indian stores in 2023.

Those openings — in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Delhi’s Saket — were more than just store launches. They were events, complete with long queues, fan selfies, and the unmistakable excitement of diehard Apple fans finally getting the brand’s full in-store experience. Until then, Apple’s India strategy had leaned on online sales and authorized resellers.

The new stores won’t just be places to buy Apple gadgets — they’re meant to be experience hubs, where customers can get hands-on with devices, attend sessions, and immerse themselves in the wider Apple ecosystem. Earlier this year, Apple also introduced its Store app for Indian users, further streamlining the shopping journey.

A Bigger Shift Behind the Scenes

But this isn’t just about selling more iPhones and MacBooks. The real story is Apple’s shifting manufacturing strategy. With U.S.-China trade tensions heating up — and import tariffs on Chinese products climbing as high as 145% — Apple is clearly diversifying its supply chain.

India is emerging as the biggest beneficiary.

Cook revealed that, for the current quarter ending in June, most iPhones sold in the United States will actually be assembled in India. That’s a huge milestone for a company that only started making iPhones in India in 2017.

Fast forward to 2025, and Apple is already producing the entire iPhone 16 lineup — from the budget-friendly 16e to the top-of-the-line 16 Pro Max — right here in India. All signs point to the upcoming iPhone 17 series being made locally too.

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As Apple ramps up both its retail and manufacturing operations, one thing is clear: India isn’t just a fast-growing market anymore. It’s becoming the engine room for Apple’s next decade of growth.

Beauty Meets Data: Kult Raises ₹170 Crore to Redefine How India Shops for Skincare

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May 5, 2025

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Kult, the digital beauty platform making waves with its tech-first approach, has just raised a cool $20 million (over ₹170 crore) in Series A funding. The round was led by Dr. Payal Kanodia and Aishwarya Bansal from the M3M Family Office, with additional support from early-stage backers at Venture Catalysts.

The platform was co-founded by Karishma Singh and Ruchika Pallavi, who are betting big on AI as the future of beauty. Kult blends artificial intelligence with expert knowledge to offer tailored skincare suggestions, matching products to individual skin types, concerns, and preferences. And it’s not just about algorithms — the brand’s product catalogue showcases how items actually look on a wide range of Indian skin tones, helping users feel seen, understood, and confident in their choices.

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Behind the scenes, Kult is tapping into advice from over 300 beauty professionals worldwide — all to bring more trust and clarity to the chaos of online beauty shopping.

What’s Next for Kult?

The new capital is being used to grow the business across several fronts. Kult plans to expand its catalogue to over 700 premium beauty brands and process more than 10,000 orders a day by the end of 2025. It’s also scaling its team, with plans to hire over 200 people in engineering, product, sourcing, and user experience.

Currently operating with a strong 35%+ margin, the company has its sights set on a gross merchandise value (GMV) between ₹650 and ₹700 crore for the ongoing fiscal year — ambitious, but well within reach if current momentum holds.

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Dr. Payal Kanodia, one of the lead investors, put it this way: “Kult isn’t just riding a trend. It’s reshaping what the future of beauty looks like in India — ultra-personal, tech-powered, and hyper-relevant. The fact that users keep coming back at this early stage shows just how ready the market is for this kind of focused beauty experience.”

No More Wild Rides: Maharashtra’s Crackdown on Ola & Uber Includes ₹100 Penalty for Cancellations and 1.5x Surge Cap

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May 5, 2025

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Image of rapido — No More Wild Rides: Maharashtra’s Crackdown on Ola & Uber Includes ₹100 Penalty for Cancellations and 1.5x Surge Cap

The Maharashtra government has finally drawn a line in the sand for app-based cab operators. In a major move, the state Cabinet has greenlit the Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025 — a bold, much-needed attempt to bring structure, safety, and fairness to the fast-moving world of ride-hailing services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

This isn’t just another bureaucratic update. The policy comes in the wake of growing public frustration and a nudge from the Supreme Court, both of which made it clear: the wild west era of cab apps in Maharashtra had to end.

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Why the Clampdown?

Let’s face it — ride apps have made getting around cities a lot easier. But they’ve also created new headaches. Think unpredictable fares, drivers cancelling without reason, and serious safety gaps, especially for women. For years, these platforms have operated with minimal oversight, often leaving riders and drivers at the mercy of algorithms and vague policies.

Now, Maharashtra wants to change that.

What’s Changing Under the New Rules

Starting 2025, any cab aggregator operating in the state will need a proper license. That’s just the beginning. They’ll also be required to meet strict conditions, including:

GPS-enabled tracking on every trip
In-app emergency buttons that actually work
Police verification for all drivers
Cybersecurity standards to protect user data
A clear process for dealing with complaints

Basically, the state is asking ride apps to grow up — and take responsibility.

What Riders Can Expect

For passengers, these changes could be game-changing. No more guessing games about driver identity or surge pricing going through the roof. From now on, surge fares can’t go above 1.5x the base rate, and discounts during slower hours can go up to 25%.

And if a driver bails on your ride or refuses to go a short distance? They’ll be fined — and you’ll get that money (up to ₹100 or 10% of the fare) back into your account automatically.

On the flip side, if you cancel the ride, half the fare (capped at ₹50) goes to the driver, giving both parties more respect and accountability.

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A Long Time Coming

While other states continue to tiptoe around regulating ride apps, Maharashtra’s decision is a big step toward fairness — for both commuters and gig workers. The Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025 is a wake-up call for the industry: adapt, play fair, or don’t operate.

From Sixes to Skylights: Inside Yuvraj Singh’s Multi-Crore Restaurant KOCA on Gurugram’s Golf Course Road

Hotels & Restaurants

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May 5, 2025

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Image of koca — From Sixes to Skylights: Inside Yuvraj Singh’s ₹8-Crore Restaurant KOCA on Gurugram’s Golf Course Road

Cricket icon Yuvraj Singh has stepped off the pitch and into the world of hospitality with the launch of his very first restaurant, KOCA — short for Kitchen of Celebratory Arts. The space, which officially opened its doors on April 12, sits on Gurugram’s upscale Golf Course Road and was recently featured in a video by Curly Tales on April 20.

This isn’t just another celebrity vanity project — Yuvraj has poured his personal style into every corner of KOCA, right down to the thoughtfully crafted menu that mirrors his own culinary preferences.

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The moment you walk in, the place wraps you in warmth. Think soft golden hues from tastefully chosen pendant lights and chandeliers — not too dim, not too harsh, just right for a long lunch or a cosy dinner. The lighting changes with the day, giving the space an adaptable, relaxed feel.

One of KOCA’s most striking features is the expansive skylight ceiling. During the day, the restaurant is drenched in sunlight, creating a bright, airy energy. Come evening, it transforms — offering a clear view of the stars and sky, adding a romantic touch to dinner hours. It’s the kind of architectural detail that makes the space feel both luxurious and grounded.

The indoor bar makes a bold statement of its own. Sleek and contemporary, it’s lined with backlit shelves holding top-shelf bottles. LED lights give the area a subtle, golden shine — perfect for catching up over cocktails or sipping something strong on a night out.

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KOCA also brings nature indoors with a generous dose of greenery. Hanging planters, leafy corners, and lush potted plants soften the edges and bring a calming freshness that balances out the polished interiors. The result? A space that feels alive — chic, yet soothing.

Inside the ₹20 Delivery Scam Bleeding Swiggy, Zomato, and Local Restaurants Dry

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May 5, 2025

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Image of zomato swiggy — Inside the ₹20 Delivery Scam Bleeding Swiggy, Zomato, and Local Restaurants Dry

Business Today has reported that some delivery partners on popular platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have allegedly been exploiting a loophole that is starting to cause significant damage to the food delivery ecosystem. The scam involves delivery workers marking an order as “undelivered,” triggering an automatic refund to the customer.

However, the delivery person still shows up with the food and asks the customer to pay them directly. Since the order is marked as cancelled, the full payment ends up with the delivery partner, with no share going to the restaurant or the platform.

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While this may seem like a small hustle for those who typically earn ₹15–₹20 per order, it’s far from harmless. Restaurants are losing both payment and inventory, and the platforms’ data integrity is compromised. Meanwhile, honest delivery workers face increased suspicion.

One of the key problems with this scam is the lack of any traceable evidence. Without receipts or any formal accountability, the fraudster walks away with cash, leaving no record behind. This creates a dangerous precedent, as it not only impacts individual businesses but also undermines the entire food delivery system. Restaurants, many of which operate on tight margins, suffer losses, and customers are misled. On top of that, the platforms are left grappling with unreliable data.

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If this behavior spreads, it could have even wider implications. Restaurants may begin to question their association with these platforms, knowing that their earnings could disappear without a trace. This growing issue threatens the trust that underpins the entire food delivery model.

The ramifications of this fraudulent behavior go beyond harming individual businesses; it could ultimately damage the reputation of the entire food delivery industry.

Zomato’s Blinkit Bleeds in Q4: Rs 178 Cr Loss, 22% Revenue Jump, and a Pricey Growth Spree in a Crowded Quick-Commerce War

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May 3, 2025

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Image of blinkit. — Zomato’s Blinkit Bleeds in Q4: Rs 178 Cr Loss, 22% Revenue Jump, and a Pricey Growth Spree in a Crowded Quick-Commerce War

Zomato’s parent company, Eternal Ltd, took a profitability hit in the final quarter of FY25, dragged down largely by growing losses at its quick-commerce arm, Blinkit. The financial results, released on May 1, paint a picture of a company doubling down on rapid expansion—even if it comes at a steep cost.

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Blinkit’s operating losses (excluding stock-based compensation) jumped sharply to Rs 178 crore in the January–March period, up from Rs 103 crore the previous quarter. While revenue grew by 22% quarter-on-quarter—reaching Rs 1,709 crore, compared to Rs 1,399 crore in Q3—the aggressive spend on scaling operations and marketing outweighed gains. Year-over-year, Blinkit’s revenue has more than doubled, but it’s come with growing pains.

With Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and a handful of new players heating up the quick-commerce race, Blinkit has chosen to lean back into growth mode, shelving earlier efforts to tighten margins and move closer to breakeven. The company ramped up investments in dark stores and customer acquisition in Q4, chasing reach in a market that’s becoming more crowded by the day.

Margins, meanwhile, remained flat—a disappointment for executives who were hoping for improvement. On a call with analysts, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa pointed to the mounting competition: “We’re now seeing multiple platforms fight for the same users across categories. That makes it harder to push delivery charges or steer demand toward higher-margin products.”

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While Blinkit’s top-line growth remains strong, the path to profitability looks longer than expected as quick commerce moves into a new, more competitive phase.

DS Group Crosses Rs. 10,000 Crore Mark, Becomes One of India’s Top 15 FMCG Players

Growth

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May 3, 2025

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Image of DS group — DS Group Crosses Rs. 10,000 Crore Mark, Becomes One of India’s Top 15 FMCG Players

The Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a homegrown FMCG giant with a wide business footprint, has crossed a major landmark by clocking over Rs. 10,000 crore in revenue for FY 2024-25. This puts the Group firmly among the top 15 FMCG companies in the country.

A big part of this growth story has been written by its food and beverage division, which now brings in 42% of total revenue. Mouth fresheners continue to be a strong pillar at 38%, while hospitality contributes around 3%. Tobacco, once central to the business, now makes up less than 10%, and the rest is spread across its diversified portfolio

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Over the past three years, DS Group has seen steady momentum, with overall growth averaging 16% annually. Its F&B business alone has grown even faster, clocking a 19% CAGR, driven by strong consumer demand and a steady stream of new launches.

What’s worked for the Group is its sharp eye for flavor innovation, deep consumer insights, and an ability to spot and act on emerging trends—whether in traditional retail or fast-growing digital platforms. Its distribution backbone is massive: over 150 super stockists, 5,000+ distributors, and a reach that spans over 15 lakh retail outlets directly, and more than double that through indirect channels.

The company has also been quick to adapt to shifts in how people shop, leaning into modern retail, e-commerce, and the rise of quick commerce. Investments in AI, automation, and cutting-edge tech are helping DS Group stay ahead of the curve—not just keeping pace with change, but often setting it.

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Reflecting on the achievement, Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of DS Group, said, “Crossing the Rs. 10,000 crore milestone is not just about numbers—it speaks to the trust of millions of consumers across India. Our journey has been powered by innovation, quality, and a relentless focus on staying relevant to the people we serve. As we set our sights on Rs. 20,000 crore by our 100th year, we remain committed to launching exciting new products, growing our reach, and being a strong partner in India’s growth story.”

He added that the Group’s future lies in creating meaningful products that resonate with people’s lives and tastes—not just in India, but in global markets too. “This journey wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of our teams and partners. Together, we’re building something that lasts.”

Airtel and Blinkit’s 10-Minute SIM Delivery Hits a Wall: DoT Flags KYC Concerns Weeks After Launch in 16 Cities

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May 3, 2025

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Image-of-airtel — Airtel and Blinkit’s 10-Minute SIM Delivery Hits a Wall: DoT Flags KYC Concerns Weeks After Launch in 16 Cities

Airtel’s ambitious plan to deliver SIM cards in just 10 minutes through Blinkit has quietly been put on hold, less than a month after its launch in 16 cities. The decision follows informal red flags raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) around whether the self-verification process using Aadhaar was being executed with the necessary rigour—especially in a system that promises doorstep delivery in record time.

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Launched on April 15, the service aimed to eliminate the usual delays of buying a SIM card. Customers could get a new connection or port their number—prepaid or postpaid—within minutes, all verified through Airtel’s app with an Aadhaar e-KYC. Blinkit handled the logistics, boasting a “completely store-free” model that Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa said would revolutionise telecom onboarding.

But the brakes have now been applied. As of May 1, Airtel SIMs are no longer showing up on Blinkit’s app. Neither Airtel nor Zomato, Blinkit’s parent company, has issued a formal explanation. Industry watchers believe the pause was prompted by backchannel concerns from the DoT, which hasn’t published a circular but has reportedly advised Airtel to strictly comply with digital KYC norms.

Here’s the crux: under current rules, telecom companies can verify a user’s identity remotely using Aadhaar, but the SIM can only be handed over after proper authentication of both identity and address. In a model where SIMs are being delivered within minutes of a digital request, there are questions about whether that verification can realistically be completed in time—and whether it opens the door to misuse.

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While the 10-minute delivery model was bold and in step with India’s quick-commerce trend, it also raises bigger questions about how far convenience can go before compliance steps in. For now, the experiment is on hold—and the telecom regulator is watching closely.

Beat22 Raises Undisclosed Seed Funding Led by SucSEED to Disrupt Asia’s Music Licensing Market for Independent Artists

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May 3, 2025

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Image of beat22 — Beat22 Raises Undisclosed Seed Funding Led by SucSEED to Disrupt Asia’s Music Licensing Market for Independent Artists

Beat22, a rising platform built to support music creators in licensing and selling their work, has raised seed funding in a round led by SucSEED Indovation Fund. Other backers include Chandigarh Angel Network (CAN) and investor Prateek Toshniwal. The exact amount hasn’t been disclosed, but the company says it’s enough to help fuel its next phase of growth.

At its core, Beat22 is trying to fix a part of the music world that often gets overlooked—the creation side. While streaming has made music easier to distribute and discover, the process of making music, licensing it, and getting paid remains tangled and underdeveloped—especially in Asia. Beat22 is aiming to change that, offering a dedicated space where independent musicians can license, sell, and monetise their tracks without losing control or getting lost in the noise.

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What sets Beat22 apart from global players is its focus on local flavour. It’s built with the Asian music community in mind—especially artists producing regional, vernacular, and culturally specific sounds. These are genres and beats that rarely find proper representation or buyers on Western platforms.

To make this work, Beat22 has built a suite of tools tailored to working musicians. That includes lead generation based on user activity, real-time negotiation features, instant licensing workflows, direct payments, and a growing pool of monetisation services—all designed to simplify the business side of making music.

Ashish Sudhera, founder and CEO, explained the motivation behind the platform: “For a long time, the music industry was split between creators and the businesses that distributed their work. Streaming helped bridge that gap to some extent—but the monetisation of music creation itself has remained messy and disorganised. Beat22 wants to bring structure where there’s chaos, giving artists a way to earn from the first beat they produce.”

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This isn’t SucSEED’s first time backing early-stage tech with a clear niche—previously, the fund invested in SitePace, a Mumbai-based startup focused on AI-driven construction monitoring.

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