Ecommerce enabler GoKwik raises $13 million from RTP Global, others
GoKwik, an Ecommerce enabler, said it has closed a $13 million growth round led by existing investor RTP Global. Z47, Peak XV Partners, and Think Investments also participated in the round, which took the total funding raised by GoKwik so far to $68 million.The company said it will use the fresh capital to accelerate its international expansion and fast‑track R&D across its AI‑first commerce stack. 'As the next era of Ecommerce is defined by intelligent, interoperable products, our mission is to build a unified growth operating system for brands worldwide,' said Chirag Taneja, cofounder and CEO of GoKwik.
GoKwik houses over 10,000 brands in its network, and caters to over 130 million shoppers. The brands, which include Mamaearth, Lenskart, Neemans, and Shoppers Stop, encompass a range of categories, such as fashion, beauty, health and nutrition, electronics, and other key online shopping categories.
'Their data-led approach and ability to anticipate market shifts have made them a vital partner for the D2C ecosystem. We're excited to continue supporting GoKwik as they scale globally and redefine personalised, data-driven commerce," said Galina Chifina, partner and CEO at RTP Global.
The company has four products — KwikCheckout, KwikEngage, KwikPass, and Return Prime — and has enabled brands to process gross merchandise value in excess of $2 billion. Its product suite helps D2C and ecommerce brands solve pre-purchase friction, cart abandonment, repeat purchases, and returns management.
Also, KwikEngage, the WhatsApp commerce solution, is used by over 100 merchants in the UK to drive conversational commerce and build deeper customer connections. 'By connecting every shopper touchpoint—from discovery to returns—we create compounding value and sustainable growth for merchants of all sizes,' Taneja added.
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News18
18 minutes ago
- News18
Wheels In Motion: Karnataka's Bike Taxis Are Back, But What About The 'Ban'?
Last Updated: Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy told News18 that while the government accepts HC's 1-month time limit to frame policy, the court didn't lift the ban or allow service resumption Open the Rapido or Uber app today and try booking a bike taxi —you may be surprised. The apps, which had suspended the service after the Karnataka government imposed a ban on two-wheeler taxis, have once again resumed operations. Bookings are now going through almost instantly, even though the ban came into force on June 16, following a Karnataka High Court directive that such services cease operations after June 15. News18 spoke to a couple of bike pilots, or captains, as they are called. When asked how they knew they could resume service, they said they were closely following the High Court proceedings. 'We knew that we would be allowed, as the HC has been sympathetic towards us since this is our source of livelihood. I have a daughter who goes to school and a younger one who is just ten months old. I have to run my family and ensure I bring food to the table," the captain said and repeatedly asked not to be named. Another bike taxi pilot from a different aggregator platform said that he was told by his friends in the Bike Riders Association that they could start operations and that the government would have to give the green signal. 'The moment I heard it, I went to my regular area where I used to get a lot of college-going students using my bike service, and I was so happy to hear that sound 'ting-ting' that told me that bookings were coming in," he said. 'Our lives matter," pleaded bike taxi riders, who had been waiting for the ban to be lifted. This was also the argument that was made in court. After a 67-day suspension, Uber and Rapido resumed bike taxi services in Karnataka on Thursday. A division bench of the High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C. M. Joshi, allowed the government a month's time to frame a comprehensive policy, citing that 'lives are at stake in this matter." The government had earlier imposed the ban from June 16, with RTOs seizing bikes and levying heavy penalties, forcing aggregators to halt services. Companies then approached the court, which has now adjourned the hearing on their appeals to September 22, urging the state to treat the matter seriously as it affects the livelihoods of lakhs of people. But desperation also led to desperate measures. During the ban, riders in Bengaluru turned to contacting past customers privately on WhatsApp, offering rides using saved numbers from previous trips or by calling after parcel bookings. This unofficial workaround helped commuters avoid high auto fares but raised serious privacy concerns and remained outside legal regulation. The ban itself sparked huge outrage in Bengaluru, with many arguing that bike taxis were a faster and more economical option at a time when autorickshaw and cab fares had soared. The Karnataka High Court, too, strongly criticised the government's decision, calling its rationale 'thin" and 'legally untenable". Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who headed the bench, reiterated that bike taxis were not a luxury but a necessity, particularly for affordable last-mile connectivity in cities. The court also provided relief to operators by directing the advocate general to ensure no coercive or punitive action is taken against drivers for the time being. 'They have found a loophole where it is said that no coercive or punitive action is taken against drivers by the Karnataka High Court," said a source in the Karnataka Auto Drivers Association. 'The court had clearly said that while the government has been given time to frame a comprehensive bike taxi policy, no action can be taken against aggregators. That is the point they are using to resume operations." Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters, 'On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing for a month, directing the government to make its stand clear on policy, observing that in many other states, bike taxis are operational. But the court has not allowed aggregators to resume their operations. I will talk to the advocate general and seek his opinion." Summing up the challenges raised by ride-hailing companies, the bench remarked that 'a blanket prohibition is unconstitutional since bike taxis are a legitimate business. In the absence of regulations, the business cannot be treated as illegal and should be allowed. The ban is therefore arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g)." 'Let's be clear. The government has been given a month. Let them come up with the policy. But instead of waiting patiently and following the rule of law, the aggregators have defied it. They have shown no respect for the law of the land or our courts. They have actually acted in contempt of court," said Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola Uber Drivers' and Owners' Association in Karnataka, speaking to News18. Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy also told News18 that while the government accepts the High Court's decision giving one month to frame a policy, it has not explicitly permitted the resumption of services. 'We will place this before the court. Any decision on enforcement will be taken after consultations with transport department officials. We will bring this to the notice of the court," he said. Before the ban, nearly 1.20 lakh private bikes were attached to different aggregators in Bengaluru, while across Karnataka, about six lakh people depended on bike taxis for their livelihoods. After the prohibition, the Bike Taxi Association had written to chief minister Siddaramaiah and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying over one lakh gig workers had lost their right to earn a livelihood. They urged intervention to protect workers affected by the ban. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association has since welcomed the court's observations, reiterating its commitment to working with the government to ensure safe, legal and sustainable operations. Meanwhile, News18 reached out to Rapido for comments on the resumption of services, but the company has not yet responded. As the High Court reminded, bike taxis are already a legal form of transport in 13 states, and a lack of regulation cannot justify a blanket ban. 'Every trade is permissible unless specifically prohibited. You may regulate, but regulation cannot mean complete prohibition," the bench stressed, pointing out the contradiction in permitting cars and autos while barring motorcycles. top videos View all The advocate general argued that motorcycles cannot be treated as 'transport vehicles" under the Motor Vehicles Act, citing the Delhi example where the Supreme Court had held that such services could not run without a policy. But the court pushed back, asking, 'You say congestion is the reason, but is there material to show that bike taxis cause more congestion than autos? Are you suggesting that autos congest less?" The bench concluded that Karnataka has 'no policy, only prohibition", warning that the state cannot indefinitely avoid framing rules while effectively banning the sector. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18's digital platform. She has previously worked with More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Bike Taxi karnataka transport view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:12 IST News india Wheels In Motion: Karnataka's Bike Taxis Are Back, But What About The 'Ban'? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Beware traffic challan msg onWhatsApp, it could be a malware
Lucknow: Next time you get a traffic challan message on your WhatsApp, be cautious. Police officials say it could be a red herring used by scammers to compromise your phone. Once installed, the malicious app allegedly gives hackers remote access to the device, allowing them to steal financial data, banking details, and personal information. A WhatsApp mentioning "RTO Traffic has been circulating via messages in the past week. Cyber cell officials said the file is not a genuine challan, but a malware application designed to compromise mobile phones. According to cyber cell officials, nearly 10 complaints were lodged in the last seven days from the people who fell prey to the scam. Authorities have urged people to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources and to only check challan details through the official Parivahan or state RTO portals. Once downloaded and installed, the malicious APK covertly grants hackers remote access to the user's device. This enables them to steal banking details, UPI credentials, stored passwords, financial data, and personal information. Alarmingly, victims also risk a complete phone takeover, including access to OTPs and digital wallets. Officials warn that the scam is spreading rapidly across districts and could impact many more if awareness is not raised immediately, said ACP Cyber Cell, Abhinav Kumar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He urged citizens to remain vigilant and to never download APK files from unverified links. For authentic information regarding traffic challans, people should only rely on official sources such as the Parivahan portal ( or the respective state RTO websites. ACP Kumar added that the fraudsters are exploiting in the name of challan and did so earlier in the name of lottery. Cyber experts also recommend updating phone security patches regularly, installing antivirus apps, and enabling two-factor authentication for banking and payment apps. Former IPS officer and cyber expert, Triveni Singh, said, "Fraudsters are exploiting fear of challans to spread this malware. The only way to defeat such scams is awareness. If you receive such a message, delete it immediately and inform the cyber helpline 1930." "Once the victim unknowingly installs the app, it silently grants the attacker remote access to the phone—allowing them to read SMS, intercept OTPs, monitor screen activity, and operate banking apps." Singh said these APKs look harmless but contain embedded code that compromises mobile devices. "They are capable of stealing debit/credit card data, reading SMS and OTPs, recording your screen activity, accessing internet banking apps, and sometimes even locking your phone," he said. HOW THE FAKE "RTO TRAFFIC MALWARE WORKS 1. WhatsApp Message Sent → User receives a message with an APK file titled "RTO Traffic 2. User Installs App → Mistaking it for a genuine challan, the victim installs the app. 3. Hidden Permissions Granted → The malware silently asks for device permissions (SMS, contacts, storage, accessibility). 4. Remote Access Activated → Hackers gain control of the phone and can monitor activity. 5. Data Theft Begins → Banking details, UPI credentials, OTPs, and personal information are siphoned off. 6. Financial Loss → Victims face unauthorized transactions and identity theft. HOW TO STAY SAFE - Do not download APK files from WhatsApp, SMS, or unknown sources. - Verify challans only on official portals (Parivahan / State RTO). - Install and update antivirus/security apps on phones. - Keep your phone's operating system updated. - Report suspicious messages to the 1930 cybercrime helpline or Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Russia orders state-backed MAX messenger app, a WhatsApp rival, pre-installed on phones and tablets
A Russian state-backed messenger application called MAX, a rival to WhatsApp that critics say could be used to track users, must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets from next month, the Russian government said on Thursday. The decision to promote MAX comes as Moscow is seeking greater control over the internet space as it is locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, which it casts as part of an attempt to shape a new world order. The Russian government said in a statement that MAX, which will be integrated with government services, would be on a list of mandatory pre-installed apps on all "gadgets," including mobile phones and tablets, sold in Russia from September 1. State media says accusations from Kremlin critics that MAX is a spying app are false and that it has fewer permissions to access user data than rivals WhatsApp and Telegram. It will also be mandatory that from September 1, Russia's domestic app store, RuStore, which is pre-installed on all Android devices, will be pre-installed on Apple devices. A Russian-language TV app called LIME HD TV, which allows people to watch state TV channels for free, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1, the government added. The push to promote homegrown apps comes after Russia said this month it had started restricting some calls on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. WhatsApp, which in July had a reach of 97.3 million in Russia, responded by accusing Moscow of trying to block Russians from accessing secure communications, while Telegram, which had a reach of 90.8 million users, said it actively combats the harmful use of its platform. The third most popular messenger app in July, according to Mediascope data, was VK Messenger at 17.9 million people, an offering from the same state-controlled tech company VK which developed MAX. MAX said this week that 18 million users had downloaded its app, parts of which are still in a testing phase. Russia's interior ministry said on Wednesday that MAX was safer than foreign rivals, but that it had arrested a suspect in the first fraud case using the new messenger.
