Latest news with #Yatri
India Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Why users feel Ola, Uber, Rapido's advance tipping is grossly unfair
Uber and Rapido's "advance tipping" feature, where users are prompted to tip drivers before a ride begins, has come under heavy criticism from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and consumers. Last week, the CCPA issued a notice to Uber, raising concerns about the feature, which encourages users to "add a tip for faster pickup". The advance-tipping feature is unethical and, in a way, promotes bidding for suggests that drivers may be more likely to accept a ride if a tip is included upfront. Rapido and Ola Cabs have also adopted similar models, nudging users to pay extra to improve their chances of securing a ride Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, confirmed that the CCPA was investigating ride-hailing apps, including Ola and Rapido. Uber was already under the CCPA scanner. "Forcing or nudging users to pay a tip in advance for faster service is unethical and exploitative. Such actions fall under unfair trade practices. A tip is meant to be a token of appreciation, not a precondition for service," Joshi DID THE ADVANCE-TIPPING SYSTEM START?Interestingly, this controversial system originated with the Karnataka government-backed app Namma Yatri in adopted it in 2023, and Uber rolled it out in April 2025, after announcing the feature late last has defended the feature, saying it's optional and only appears when no driver accepts a ride within 30 Yatri, interestingly, has tweaked its language from "add a tip" to "add more (voluntary)". It is meant to show that advance-tipping is a customer preference and in the ecosystem where cabs are meant to be booked in real time, advance tipping doesn't remain voluntary. There is always a fear playing out – if I don't, others ARE DARK PATTERNS ON E-PLATFORMS?Advance tipping could also be a case of dark patterns and drip pricing — two deceptive design strategies increasingly criticised in digital services.A dark pattern is a manipulative interface design that tricks or pressures users into making choices they might not otherwise make, typically benefiting the platform at the user's expense. In this case, by subtly nudging users to believe that adding a tip will improve their chances of getting a ride quickly, the apps exploit behavioural psychology to drive higher Indian government has asked e-commerce platforms to conduct internal checks for dark patterns on their Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "Companies must not wait for CCPA to intervene. They should proactively recognise and remove these deceptive practices before notices are issued. This is not regulatory compliance: it's about building trust with your consumers," according to a press release by the Ministry of Consumer pricing, on the other hand, involves displaying a low initial price while gradually revealing additional costs, like tips, throughout the transaction process. What seems like a straightforward fare can suddenly inflate, with users feeling cornered into paying more just to ensure basic example of that would be base fares advertised by airlines. While booking air tickets, passengers pay for a host of charges, including seats, which makes the final fare much higher than the one displayed.A study by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) also found that 52 of the top 53 apps have deceptive UI (user interface)/UX (user experience) practices that mislead users into opting for something they originally did not intend to study revealed that these problematic apps have been downloaded 21 billion times and flagged the impact on consumer behaviour because of such deceptive patterns discovered include privacy deception, interface interference, drip pricing, and false urgency, an official statement issued by the advertising industry's self-regulatory body ARE UBER, OLA AND RAPIDO USERS SAYING?Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly negative on advance tipping that most ride-hailing services, including the market-dominating Ola Cabs, Uber and Rapido. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints:"This whole 'advance tip' scam started with Bengaluru autos and was pushed by Namma Yatri. Now it's spread like a virus—Uber and Rapido have picked it up, too. Asking for extra money before the ride in the name of 'better service' is nothing but daylight robbery," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter)."Some action needs to be taken against Rapido and Uber. They're asking for a tip before the ride is even booked. Booking rides used to be much easier before this feature," wrote user called the practice a scam: "Uber India and rapidobikeapp have created this unfair system. Drivers won't accept rides unless you add a tip–sometimes even waiting until the tip reaches 60% or 80% of the fare (sic)."One comment pointed to the deeper issue: "If you allow unethical pricing like surge charges, the next step is bound to be advance tipping. Thanks PralhadJoshiOfc for calling out Uber India's exploitative practice. This kind of Loot Economics must stop (sic)."advertisementSome have also raised questions about whether the tip truly benefits the drivers:"This was rapidobikeapp urging me to tip just seconds after booking a ride. The wait wasn't even a minute. Do tips go entirely to the drivers, or does the company take a share apart from its aggregator fee?"Others highlighted broader issues. "Uber's upfront pricing is hurting drivers. It doesn't compensate them for pickup mileage, time, or wear and tear. The system isn't sustainable–and now this new tipping model makes it worse."The situation is ironic because users took to the ride-hailing apps to get rid of haggling but are now being forced to do the same with drivers online. That is why Ola Cabs, Uber and Rapido aren't just under the government's scanner over advance tipping, they are facing public backlash too.
India.com
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
After Jyoti Malhotra, Is ‘Yatri Doctor' Next? Netizens Question His Alleged Pakistan Ties
New Delhi: Following the arrest of travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra's on charges of espionage for Pakistan's ISI, another name has emerged under intense public scrutiny – Navankur Chaudhary, popularly known as 'Yatri Doctor'. A doctor-turned-travel vlogger with over 6.5 lakh Instagram followers and nearly 2 million YouTube subscribers, he now finds himself battling a growing social media storm – with calls for investigation into his connections with Pakistan and his past appearances at the Pakistan High Commission. The controversy intensified after social media users began circulating his purported videos wherein he can be seen attending events at the Pakistan High Commission, allegedly mocking Indian institutions and appearing with Malhotra. As allegations surface, X (formerly Twitter) has turned into a virtual battlefield, with users either denouncing or defending the popular YouTuber. While some demand an immediate probe, others believe he is an easy target in a high-voltage narrative. 'This Yatri doctor, aka Navankur, has literally visited villages. The person speaking is practically a walking Mujahedin. He tries tea and constantly mocks India in Pakistan, speaking freely as if his family is inside a Masjid area. How can the Indian government tolerate this behavior from this Desh Drohi?' wrote one Mohit Kamal Rath, a verified X user. This Yatri doctor, aka Navankur, has literally visited villages. The person speaking is practically a walking Mujahedin. He tries tea and constantly mocks India in Pakistan, speaking freely as if his family is inside a Masjid area. How can the Indian government tolerate this… — Mohit Kamal Rath (@mkr4411) May 18, 2025 Another user, Rudhan Sharma, wrote, 'Navankur Chaudhary aka Yatridoctor should be investigated. He recently travelled Pakistan. He continuously makes fun of India.' This NAvankur chaudhary aka Yatri doctor is followed by many pakistanis. He stayed with Pakistanis and seen many times mocking Indians for their financial status etc. attaching some proofs — Rudhan Sharma (@rudhans1) May 17, 2025 Rahul Kumar raised questions about his silence on key issues: 'As the ISI-backed spy network involving travel vloggers is being exposed, #YatriDoctor must also come under the scanner... his patterns are suspicious.' As the #ISI-backed spy network involving travel vloggers is being exposed, #NavankurChaudhary aka #YatriDoctor must also come under the scanner. His silence on #PahalgamAttack, zero words on #OperationSindoor, and mocking of Indians for calling out #Turkey raises serious… — (@Rahulk123d) May 17, 2025 Some also pointed out his alleged close ties to Jyoti Malhotra. '#YatriDoctor also met Danish, a Pakistan High Commission Officer aka ISI, with Jyoti Malhotra at Pakistan High Commission,' alleged one tweet. But it was not all condemnation. Mohit Rath praised another vlogger for setting the right example and claimed Navankur was his friend: 'If you ever visit Pakistan, be like Traveling Mantra, not Jyoti Malhotra or Yatri Doctor... he is also friends with Yatri Doctor, but he is a true nationalist.' If you ever visit Pakistan, be like Traveling Mantra, not #JyotiMalhotra or #YatriDoctor. When a random guy asked him about his religion ''Muslim / Non-Muslim" he instantly replied, 'Hindustan,' showcasing his patriotism for India. By the way, he is also friends with… — Mohit Kamal Rath (@mkr4411) May 18, 2025 Richal offered unconditional support: 'Bohot sare log kuch short clips dekh ke 1 din me apna opinion bna rahe hai lekin mai Navankur bhai ke regularly pichle 3 saal se videos dekh raha hu... Ye innocent hai. Without any doubt. #ISupportYatriDoctor.' Bohot sare log kuch short clips dekh ke 1 din me apna opinion bna rahe hai lekin Mai Navankur bhai ke regularly pichle 3 saal se videos dekh raha hu aur inhe mai ache se janta hu. Ye innocent hai. Without any doubt. #isupportyatridoctor #YatriDoctor — Richal (@018richal) May 18, 2025 'Fake Narrative Being Spread' Navankur has broken his silence through an Instagram video, where he called the allegations against him 'baseless' and part of a 'fake narrative' meant to malign his reputation. He clarified that he has visited Pakistan only once, as part of his goal to travel to all 197 countries. 'Bhai main Pakistan sirf ek baar gaya hoon (I went to Pakistan only once),' he said, addressing the allegations: 'I am proud to be Indian. My family members have served in the armed forces.' He admitted knowing Jyoti Malhotra, but claimed it was only a brief interaction. 'She approached me as a fan. I treated her like a fan. I did not know her personally before that day.' He added that he is not under any official investigation and is ready to fully cooperate with any authorities. Navankur's meteoric rise as a content creator who traveled to 144 countries has now hit a rough patch. Once applauded for his global travel goals, his interactions with Pakistan-based officials and now-arrested Jyoti Malhotra are being re-evaluated through the lens of national security. While no evidence has been made public linking him directly to espionage, the timing of his controversy – just after Malhotra's arrest – has made him a trending name on social media. The Bigger Picture The unfolding narrative now points to a troubling trend – where travel influencers may unwittingly or deliberately fall into diplomatic or intelligence entanglements. With Jyoti Malhotra's case already raising alarm bells, many believe it is time for Indian authorities to look deeper into who gets access to sensitive spaces, and how these relationships unfold. As one user starkly put it: 'After #JyotiMalhotra's expose, serious questions must be asked of these two vloggers: Yatri Doctor and Karl Rock.' After #JyotiMalhotra's expose, serious questions must be asked of these two vloggers: #YatriDoctor – a top-tier supporter of Turkey. #KarlRock – frequent Pakistan traveller, living in India, married to a Congress politician's daughter.#Spy #NationalSecurity — LG (@logicalgabbar) May 17, 2025 The digital courtroom has passed no verdict yet, but in the court of public opinion, the trial has definitely begun.
