Vivo X200 FE India launch soon, to offer 50MP ZEISS cameras, 90W fast charging
Sony launches Bravia Theatre System 6 and Bar 6 soundbars in India, offering Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and immersive audio. Priced from Rs 39,990, they feature wireless speakers, enhanced dialogue clarity, and eco-friendly design, targeting modern home entertainment.
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New Indian Express
30 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
First in Tamil Nadu, Chennai gets 120 green buses
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday flagged off 120 low-floor electric, non-AC buses from the Vyasarpadi Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) depot. This marks the first time that e-buses have been introduced by a state-run transport undertaking (MTC) in Tamil Nadu. Each electric bus when fully recharged, which takes up to two hours, can be operated for 200 km. The electric buses have been provided with emergency panic buttons at 13 places, 4 surveillance cameras, one mobile charging point for every two seats, and public announcement system. CM Stalin also inaugurated an electric charging station set up at a cost of Rs 47.5 crore. Aimed at reducing environmental pollution, the new fleet, procured at a cost of Rs 207.9 crore, is part of the Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Program (C-SUSP), a World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-supported initiative. These ultra-low-floor buses are designed to be accessible for disabled commuters. 1.2K electric buses to be introduced across Chennai The electric buses feature low-floor seats in the front and high-floor seats in the rear. The floor height of the bus is 400mm, and it can be reduced up to 250mm. Following complaints of poor ventilation in the low-floor buses introduced last year, the MTC has increased the height of the window glass on either side of electric buses to enhance air circulation. It has also introduced a small sliding window for the high-floor seat in the rear.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is Rapido's entry the Jio moment for the food delivery space?
The internet is abuzz with stories about the potential entry of Rapido in the food delivery space dominated by Zomato and Swiggy . Their proposition is that they will move from a commission model (~30% for Zomato and Swiggy) to a fixed fee structure of Rs. 25 below an order size of Rs. 400 and Rs. 50 above that. The big question is — is this the Jio moment in the food delivery space? Why is everyone getting so excited? And rightfully so. The simple reason is because consumers have to pay much lesser as a result. For instance, assume the bill size is typically Rs. 350 if you physically eat at a restaurant. As Zomato and Swiggy charge nearly 30% as commissions, restaurants add this to the online price on these platforms and hence you pay around Rs. 500, excluding taxes and other charges. With a flat fee structure as proposed by Rapido, consumers will pay Rs. 375 for the same transaction, excluding taxes and other charges. Consumers should save around 20% in the bill value which is very significant. Moreover, a lot of restaurants haven't been happy with the Zomato-Swiggy duopoly. As a result, according to an Economic Times article, the National Restaurant Association of India , which has over 500,000 restaurants across the country is working with Rapido to explore a more sustainable model in the future. Can Rapido pull it off? They may have the secret sauce to do so. Let us start by looking at factors that make this possible for Rapido. For one, they managed to disrupt the Uber-Ola duopoly that exists in ride-hailing sector so for them to take on another duopoly is psychologically alright. There is no ecosystem education required in this case. Zomato and Swiggy have done that. Consumers know how the model works. So do delivery partners and restaurants. Everyone has to use another similar app in case they are convinced about the value proposition. Indian consumers are known to be extremely fickle when it comes to brand loyalty. Consumers are increasingly becoming cost sensitive with a cost of living crisis in big metros. With a bulk of consumers in their 20s and the job market being very tricky, many will value an economically superior proposition. Entering the food delivery business is not easy and huge capital is required. Rapido is well funded armed with a fresh $ 30 million infusion from Prosus, on top of a $ 200 million round led by WestBridge capital. On the supply side, it has 4 million scooter riders all over the country which they can leverage as delivery partners. But, food delivery has proved to be the graveyard for many businesses. The food delivery is a unique industry — many well funded experienced players have tried to enter but have failed quite dramatically. Think of Uber Eats which eventually sold to Zomato in 2020. Or Amazon Food that shut down in 2022. Or Food Panda and many other big names. Food delivery is a complex space — consumer expectations are high, restaurants are tricky to deal with, the address system in India is difficult and as a result, it is an operationally difficult business to run. The big factor is consumer experience - can Rapido build that end-to-end consumer experience? Moreover, the sector itself is slowing down. Revenues of Zomato's and Swiggy's food delivery businesses are showing low single digits growth on a sequential quarter basis. Many consumers are shifting to quick commerce or are trying to eat healthy at home. This trend will become more pronounced as India becomes the obesity, diabetes and heart disease capital of the world in the next few years. In conclusion, Rapido seems to have all the necessary ingredients to make a big dent in this space. According to Karan Taurani, Executive Vice President at Elara Capital, Swiggy and Zomato may face a valuation cut to the tune of 20% if Rapido executes well. In my personal view, this is Zomato's and Swiggy's toughest battle till date. They will have to fight very very hard to keep their leadership position intact and to sustain a profitable business over the next few quarters.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'I took a loan for my car': Madhav Suresh opens up on privilege, trolls
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Madhav Suresh , son of actor Suresh Gopi , is stepping into the public eye with a clear message—he wants to build his life on his own terms. Madhav recently opened up about dealing with online criticism, financial independence, and his deep respect for the values his parents instilled in him. Talking to Milestone Makers, responding to trolls who questioned his purchase of a high-end Golf GTI car worth over Rs 67 lakhs in Kerala, Madhav clarified that he financed the vehicle with a loan, not with his father's money. 'I took the loan in my own name, and now I have to earn to repay it. I wanted to set that straight,' he said with honesty and conviction. Family wealth Is for family needs Madhav emphasized that his father's earnings are not for his personal luxuries. 'My father and mother have saved their money for their retirement life, and for the weddings of my sisters. That money is theirs and has a purpose. If I ever face a crisis, that financial safety net will be there—but I understand not everyone has that privilege, and I don't take it for granted,' he said. Suresh Gopi and Gokul Suresh in Lelam 2 Instead of leaning on his family's name, Madhav believes in building his own identity through effort. 'Privilege exists, yes, but that doesn't mean I can sit idle. I have to work hard and prove myself—for me and my family,' he said. Trolls, politics, and perspective Madhav also addressed the hate comments and online trolling he has received, which he believes are partly because his father is a (Politicial party name) minister. But he carries no bitterness. 'I don't have any anger towards those who troll me,' he said calmly, showing a sense of maturity beyond his years. Looking to the future, Madhav has just one goal: 'Someday, I want my children to look at me and say, 'My father built a good life for us.' That's what drives me.'
