Government Calls for Changes in Quick-Commerce Delivery Practices

The Union government has urged quick-commerce companies to abandon their 10-minute delivery claims to ensure the safety of gig workers. This comes amid protests from workers demanding reforms in the sector. Additionally, the Supreme Court has issued a split verdict on the Prevention of Corruption Act and addressed accountability for stray dog attacks. In international news, violence in Iran has led to significant casualties during ongoing protests. Read more to understand the implications of these developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 20:25 IST

Government Intervention in Quick-Commerce Sector

The Union government has requested quick-commerce companies to cease their claims of providing 10-minute delivery services, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights and safety of gig workers. In response to this directive, Blinkit has altered its main tagline from '10,000+ products delivered in 10 minutes' to '30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep'.

Protests by Gig Workers

This change follows a call from platform workers' unions for a strike in the quick-commerce sector during the last week of December, aiming to advocate for reforms in the gig economy. The protests significantly impacted the operations of companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto in various cities just before the New Year celebrations.

Memorandum Submitted to Labour Minister

Previously, gig workers had presented a memorandum to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging him to intervene and eliminate the 10-20 minute delivery requirements.

Supreme Court's Split Verdict on Corruption Act

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court issued a split verdict regarding the constitutionality of an amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act, which requires government approval to initiate investigations against public servants. Justice BV Nagarathna deemed this provision unconstitutional, while Justice KV Viswanathan supported it but suggested that approval should be contingent upon recommendations from the Lokpal or Lokayukta.

Accountability for Stray Dog Attacks

The Supreme Court has stated that civic authorities and individuals who feed stray dogs could be held liable for any injuries or fatalities resulting from dog attacks. The court indicated that it would impose significant compensation on the state for each incident of dog bites, injuries, or deaths, and also hold accountable those who claim to feed the dogs.

Violence in Iran Amid Protests

According to an unnamed official, approximately 2,000 individuals, including security forces, have lost their lives during the anti-government protests in Iran over the past fortnight, with claims that 'terrorists' are responsible for these deaths. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed his horror at the violence, condemning the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the labeling of protesters as 'terrorists' to justify such actions.