CCPA Targets E-Commerce Giants for ‘Dark Patterns’: 13 Deceptive Tactics Under Fire in June 7 Advisory

E-Commerce

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June 9, 2025

Image of ccpa — CCPA Targets E-Commerce Giants for ‘Dark Patterns’: 13 Deceptive Tactics Under Fire in June 7 Advisory

The Indian government has taken a firm stance against the growing misuse of manipulative design tricks—often called dark patterns—by online shopping platforms. In a press release dated June 7, 2025, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a clear warning to all e-commerce companies, urging them to clean up their act and stop using shady methods to mislead shoppers.

These tactics, commonly hidden in the fine print or clever design elements, are meant to push users into making choices they wouldn’t normally make—like buying costlier items, unknowingly signing up for subscriptions, or clicking on options they didn’t intend to. These aren’t just annoying—they often lead to money being spent unnecessarily and personal data being misused.

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The CCPA has now officially advised all digital shopping platforms to identify and remove such practices from their websites and apps. The message: stop tricking users and make sure every step in the buying journey is transparent and fair.

While this crackdown isn’t a new law, it sets the tone for stronger enforcement going forward. The move also comes as a response to growing consumer complaints around sneaky pricing, misleading labels, and confusing checkout flows.

The advisory also outlines 13 specific types of dark patterns the watchdog has flagged. These include forced action (making users sign up before viewing content), hidden costs at checkout, disguised ads, countdown timers that aren’t real, and more.

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As online shopping becomes a daily habit for millions in India, the government wants to ensure that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of consumer rights. The message to e-commerce platforms is loud and clear—be honest, or be held accountable.

Myntra Goes Global: CEO Nandita Sinha Launches Myntra Global in Singapore to Tap 6.5 Lakh-Strong Indian Diaspora

Retail & Ecommerce

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June 9, 2025

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Image of myntra. — Myntra Goes Global: CEO Nandita Sinha Launches Myntra Global in Singapore to Tap 6.5 Lakh-Strong Indian Diaspora

Bengaluru-based fashion e-tailer Myntra has officially taken its first step onto the international stage, rolling out its services in Singapore under the banner of Myntra Global. The expansion is designed to tap into the sizeable Indian community overseas, with Singapore chosen as the launchpad for this global push.

Nandita Sinha, the company’s CEO, confirmed the move during a major retail industry event—NRF 25—in Singapore, held from June 3 to 6. She said this isn’t just a one-off effort but the beginning of a larger play aimed at reaching Indian-origin customers across the globe.

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“There’s a strong emotional connection Indian consumers have with Indian fashion, and we’ve been seeing signs of that from Singapore. Nearly 30,000 people from there were already visiting our India app and website each month, even before we officially launched,” Sinha shared.

The decision to begin with Singapore—home to around 6.5 lakh Indians—was driven by both this organic demand and the convenience of operating in a market that’s highly connected and tech-savvy. Since its debut on May 19, Myntra Global has seen a solid start, with encouraging retention and healthy cart sizes.

While expanding abroad, Myntra continues to focus on sharpening its presence in India, a market Sinha believes is still in its early stages of digital fashion adoption. She pointed out that less than 15% of fashion retail in India happens online—far behind global benchmarks—leaving massive headroom for growth.

The company is also doubling down on Gen Z, a segment that craves freshness, seamless browsing, and bold fashion statements. As Sinha put it, “This generation wants fashion to be fast, relevant, and deeply personal.”

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With over 100 million Indian customers already in its fold, Myntra’s ambitions clearly stretch far beyond borders—and the runway has only just opened.

Captain Cool Meets Icy Cool: Dettol Appoints MS Dhoni to Promote Germ Protection with a Chill Factor

A&M

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June 9, 2025

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Image of dettol — Captain Cool Meets Icy Cool: Dettol Appoints MS Dhoni to Promote Germ Protection with a Chill Factor

On May 28, 2025, Dettol unveiled a refreshing new twist to its personal care portfolio with the launch of its ‘Icy Cool’ range—and they’ve roped in none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the charge. Known for his composure under pressure and widespread popularity, Dhoni is now the face of Dettol’s latest collection, which includes soaps, body washes, and handwashes designed to tackle the sweat and stickiness of Indian summers.

The new line promises to keep users feeling cool and protected, combining Dettol’s hallmark germ-fighting reputation with a menthol-based cooling sensation. With temperatures soaring across the country, the brand is looking to tap into everyday hygiene concerns that go beyond just cleanliness—especially the discomfort caused by heat, humidity, and grime.

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By bringing Dhoni into the picture, Dettol is clearly aiming for a deeper connection with the everyday Indian. His down-to-earth image, reliability, and pan-India fan following make him a natural fit to front a campaign focused on practical summer solutions.

This move also signals a shift in Dettol’s communication—positioning itself not just as a shield against germs, but as a brand tuned in to seasonal needs and real-world problems. The campaign will focus on cooling relief, daily freshness, and cleanliness, with Dhoni championing the message across digital, print, and TV.

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With this launch, Dettol is not only banking on innovation in its product line but also betting big on the enduring charm of one of India’s most trusted sports icons.

Chennai Hotels Association Slams Swiggy and Zomato, Threatens Exit of 1,000+ Restaurants Over 45% Commission Cut

E-Commerce

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June 9, 2025

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Image of zomato and swiggy — Chennai Hotels Association Slams Swiggy and Zomato, Threatens Exit of 1,000+ Restaurants Over 45% Commission Cut

Chennai’s bustling food scene is facing a potential shake-up. More than 1,000 branded restaurants in the city may soon withdraw from food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, following mounting frustration over aggregator commission structures.

The Chennai Hotels Association has raised the red flag, calling out what they describe as “unnecessary and excessive charges” imposed by delivery apps. The association’s president, M. Ravi, pointed out that both consumers and restaurants are being squeezed — restaurants are paying high commissions, while customers continue to face marked-up prices.

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According to Ravi, the financial strain on restaurants has reached a tipping point. Many establishments, especially smaller brands, are unable to absorb the 40–45% commission fees reportedly charged by aggregators. Vice-president K. Rajkumar further highlighted that restaurants have little to no say in how these charges are determined or modified.

“What’s even more baffling is that despite charging these high rates, delivery apps continue to report losses,” Rajkumar said. “At the same time, delivery partners also complain of low pay. It begs the question — where is all the money going?”

This brewing discontent is not new. Over the past few years, restaurant owners across India have voiced similar concerns. However, the scale of this potential exit — involving over a thousand eateries — signals a serious escalation. If implemented, it could severely impact the city’s food delivery ecosystem and potentially nudge customers back toward direct ordering or dining in.

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As consumers grow increasingly dependent on convenience and quick delivery, this move could disrupt daily habits and force a re-evaluation of pricing and business models by the delivery giants. For now, all eyes are on how Swiggy and Zomato respond — and whether they’ll make changes to retain their restaurant partners.

Kiran Shah of Shark Tank-Fame Go Zero Exposes Toxic Exit Trend After Salary Date Shift Calls for Workplace Accountability

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June 7, 2025

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image of go zero founder kiran shah — Kiran Shah of Shark Tank-Fame Go Zero Exposes Toxic Exit Trend After Salary Date Shift—Calls for Workplace Accountability

Kiran Shah, founder of Go Zero—the ice cream brand that made waves on Shark Tank India—has voiced his frustration over a troubling workplace trend: employees quitting right after payday, without so much as a conversation.

In a candid LinkedIn post, Shah shared the backstory behind his decision to shift salary payments to the 1st of each month, starting December 2023. “Earlier, we paid salaries on the 10th of the following month—something quite a few startups still do. Some even push it to the 15th. But I realised this was unfair to employees who had rent, bills, and EMIs due at the start of the month. So I made the switch.”

While the move was meant to support the team financially, it has unexpectedly backfired in a few cases. “Since we made the change, there have been four instances where team members took their salary on the 1st and never came back,” Shah revealed, referring to the latest walkout that occurred just a day ago.

Naturally, such no-shows disrupt operations—but Shah made it clear he won’t be reverting to the old system. “It would be wrong to punish everyone because of a few irresponsible individuals. That goes against the kind of culture I’m trying to build at Go Zero.”

Shah urged employees to handle dissatisfaction with maturity. “If you’re unhappy—whether it’s the work, the pay, the people, or anything else—talk to your manager. Or speak directly to the founder. Just don’t disappear. Quitting without a word says more about you than the company. It reflects poorly on your professionalism and personal growth.”

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While Go Zero continues to move forward, Shah’s message to jobseekers and professionals is simple: transparency and respect go a long way.

How to Apply for an FSSAI License for Your Restaurant

Food Safety

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June 7, 2025

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How to Apply for an FSSAI License for Your Restaurant

If you run a restaurant in India, obtaining an FSSAI license is a legal requirement. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of applying for an FSSAI license to ensure your restaurant operates within the law.

FSSAI License Requirements for Restaurants:

Determine the License Type:

If your restaurant has a turnover of less than ₹12 lakh, a Basic License is sufficient.

For restaurants with a turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh, a State License is required.

Larger restaurants involved in interstate trading will need a Central License.

Fill Out the Application:
The application for an FSSAI license can be completed online through the official FSSAI website. Ensure that you select the correct license type based on your restaurant’s turnover.

Submit Documents:
Along with your application, you’ll need to submit key documents:

Your restaurant’s registration details

Health and sanitation certificates

Proof of ownership or lease of the restaurant premises

Inspection:
FSSAI may conduct an inspection of your restaurant to ensure that it complies with hygiene, safety standards, and food quality practices. Be prepared for an inspection visit by FSSAI officials.

Getting your FSSAI license is a simple and necessary process that ensures your restaurant meets the required food safety standards. By completing the registration, you help build customer trust and demonstrate your commitment to providing safe, quality food.

PhonePe Bets Big on Offline India: Acquires GSPay to Bring Seamless UPI to 350 Million Feature Phone Users

Business

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June 7, 2025

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Image of phonepay — PhonePe Bets Big on Offline India: Acquires GSPay to Bring Seamless UPI to 350 Million Feature Phone Users

In a move aimed at cracking open the next frontier of digital payments, PhonePe has acquired the intellectual property rights to GSPay — a UPI-powered payment tech stack developed by conversational tech firm Gupshup. Designed specifically for feature phones, GSPay is built on the foundation of NPCI’s UPI 123PAY framework and allows users without smartphones to send and receive money.

With this acquisition, the Bengaluru-based fintech giant is gearing up to roll out its own UPI app tailored for feature phones — a market segment that still accounts for millions of users across India. The launch is expected in the coming quarters, and the company plans to layer GSPay’s core tech with new features and UI optimizations.

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The upcoming app will support key UPI functions — person-to-person transfers, QR code-based offline payments, and seamless receipt of funds via mobile number or self-generated QR. Crucially, PhonePe wants to make sure feature phone users can interact just as easily with smartphone UPI users, bridging the digital divide and enabling full-scale interoperability across devices.

“Millions of Indians still rely on feature phones, and they’ve long been left out of the digital payments story,” said Sameer Nigam, PhonePe’s Co-Founder and CEO. “By integrating GSPay into our ecosystem, we aim to make sure that even those without smartphones can tap into the speed, convenience, and safety of UPI. This is about inclusion, plain and simple.”

As India’s UPI network continues its exponential growth, PhonePe’s move signals a serious push toward capturing a user base that has remained largely unaddressed — until now. This could be the start of a new chapter in India’s payments story, where connectivity doesn’t require a touchscreen.

Khari Foods Secures ₹3 Crore Seed Round Led by Meri Punji, Eyes 208% ARR Surge and Aggressive Expansion in Tier 1 & 2 Cities

INVESTMENTS

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June 7, 2025

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Image of khari Food — Khari Foods Secures ₹3 Crore Seed Round Led by Meri Punji, Eyes 208% ARR Surge and Aggressive Expansion in Tier 1 & 2 Cities

Khari Foods, the clean-label snack brand owned by Grahill Wellness Pvt. Ltd., has wrapped up a ₹3 crore seed funding round with Meri Punji Pvt. Ltd. leading the charge. The funds will help turbocharge several verticals — from R&D and new product development to team growth, retail expansion, and sharpening its marketing edge.

The Gurgaon-based startup, known for its health-forward snacks without palm oil or maida, is eyeing aggressive growth in both major metros and rising Tier 2 cities. It’s currently riding on a projected 208% increase in Annual Revenue Run Rate (ARR) for this financial year — a clear signal that the brand is tapping into a fast-expanding market of wellness-conscious Indian consumers.

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Co-founder and CEO Yash shared that this fundraise is more than just a financial milestone — it’s a momentum shift. “We’ve spent three years building the brand from the ground up, staying profitable through bootstrapping. This funding lets us dream bigger — double down on innovation, widen our reach, and roll out snacks that are tasty, healthy, and uniquely Indian.”

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What sets Khari Foods apart in a cluttered snack aisle? They own the entire production line, thanks to a fully integrated manufacturing facility in Haryana. Their control over every stage — from sourcing to packaging — lets them experiment with custom recipes and novel snack formats tailored to Indian taste buds, particularly those between 20 to 40 years of age who want indulgence without guilt.

Here’s how the fresh capital will be used:

Accelerating R&D: Launching fresh product lines that push the boundaries of healthy snacking
Team Expansion: Bringing in new leadership and internal talent to fuel the next growth phase
Brand Building: Strengthening presence both online and in physical retail stores
Distribution Growth: Doubling down on e-commerce partnerships and offline retail reach

As India’s health snack segment heats up, Khari Foods looks ready to sprint ahead — not just by following trends, but by creating them.

The Complete Guide to FSSAI Food License – Everything You Need to Know

Food Safety

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June 7, 2025

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The Complete Guide to FSSAI Food License – Everything You Need to Know

An FSSAI food license is essential for any business in the food sector operating in India. This guide provides a detailed overview of the FSSAI food licenses, the different types available, and how to apply for them.

Types of FSSAI Licenses:

Basic License: For small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh.

State License: For medium-sized businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.

Central License: For large businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crore or businesses involved in interstate food trading.

Each license type has specific eligibility criteria. If you’re unsure which license to apply for, visit the FSSAI license types page for more details.

How to Apply for FSSAI Food License:

Register on the FSSAI Portal: Begin by creating an account on the official FSSAI portal.

Choose the License Type: Select the appropriate license based on the size and nature of your business.

Submit Documents: Upload the necessary documents, such as your business registration details, proof of address, and a health and safety audit report.

Wait for Verification: Once your application is submitted, FSSAI will verify the provided documents before granting approval.

Obtaining the correct FSSAI food license is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s also vital for maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring your business complies with safety standards. Ensure you apply for the appropriate license type and follow the process to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.

Blinkit Closes in on Zomato with 30.1 Million Weekly Users, Leaves Swiggy Behind in India’s Quick Commerce Race

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June 7, 2025

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Image of zomato — Blinkit Closes in on Zomato with 30.1 Million Weekly Users, Leaves Swiggy Behind in India’s Quick Commerce Race

India’s digital shopping landscape is in the middle of a shake-up. Blinkit, the grocery delivery arm backed by Zomato, is now nearly toe-to-toe with its parent’s main food delivery app in terms of weekly user engagement. As of May 26, Blinkit clocked 30.1 million weekly active users (WAUs), just 600,000 short of Zomato’s 30.7 million — and well ahead of Swiggy’s total user base across its suite of services, according to fresh numbers from CLSA.

This surge highlights a larger trend: instant delivery isn’t just catching on, it’s exploding. What began as a solution for emergency grocery runs has quietly evolved into a daily utility — for everything from toothpaste to T-shirts — especially in metros and Tier 1 cities.

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Blinkit has been setting the pace. In January, it had a 1.79 million user lead over its nearest competitor. By the end of May, that gap had widened to a record 7.7 million users, Sensor Tower data revealed. The momentum is unmistakable.

Swiggy, which long rivaled Zomato in the food space, is now playing catch-up in the quick commerce game. Its all-in-one super app sees 24.7 million weekly users. Meanwhile, its newly spun-off Instamart app — launched only in January — is already pulling in 8.2 million WAUs, emerging as a serious contender.

In terms of user growth this year, Blinkit leads with 9.3 million new users. Instamart follows closely with 8.2 million, making them 2025’s fastest-growing platforms so far. Zepto, despite being an early mover and strong performer, added 3.4 million users during the same window. JioMart, with 3 million new users, is also in the race — and gaining speed.

Legacy players aren’t sitting idle either. JioMart now sees 6.8 million WAUs, marking a 55% annual jump. BigBasket, though slower to scale, still managed a modest 8% rise to 4.3 million users.

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If the numbers are anything to go by, India’s next e-commerce war won’t just be fought over restaurant meals — it’ll be over what’s in your fridge, on your bathroom shelf, and maybe even in your closet.

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