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Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
Karachi like a local
People often say Karachi is too big, too crowded, too messy — and they're not wrong. With 20 million people and a pace that rarely slows, Pakistan's largest city often feels like it's on the verge of boiling over, especially in summer. Most visitors will only see Karachi through the lens of elite hospitality (with its air-conditioned cars, rooftop dinners and guarded gates) or via the headlines (which tend to focus on crime, politics and power cuts). But get to know the city, and you'll discover a different Karachi — one where strangers help change your flat tire, where chai is served at midnight, and where allowing women to cut the line is an unspoken rule. I was born and bred in this chaos and now cover Pakistan and its economy for Reuters from here. While Karachi may no longer be the capital, it remains the country's economic engine, cultural pulse and most unfiltered mirror. It's a microcosm of Pakistan itself: volatile, welcoming and, if you know it well enough, quietly wonderful. Here's my guide to exploring this gem of a city like a local: Getting around: Three-wheeled rickshaws are still your best bet for short distances — cheap, breezy and easy to hail off the street. For something quicker in traffic, hop on a motorcycle using ride-hailing apps like Yango or inDrive. They are fast, affordable and offer a front-row seat to Karachi's traffic ballet. While public buses decorated with truck art still rumble through the city's major arteries, the newer Peoples' Bus Service offers a cleaner, more structured way to get across longer distances, albeit with limited routes. What to eat: Karachi, like much of Pakistan, has been shaped by waves of migration, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food. Biryani, a spiced rice dish layered with meat and potatoes (a uniquely Karachi touch) is the city's most beloved meal. Most locals eat it at least once a week on Fridays, as is tradition. You can find it everywhere, from not-so-fancy sit-down spots like Ghousia and Student to roadside joints where it's scooped fresh from massive metal pots known as deghs. A hearty meal with raita (herby yoghurt dip) costs around 350 Pakistani rupees ($1.20). For more Karachi eats, visit Burns Road Food Street, the city's most iconic culinary strip. Dating back to before partition and recently pedestrianized, it's a living museum of local flavours. Try Karachi-style pani puri, made of crispy hollow shells filled with tangy chutney and mashed potatoes or chickpeas, before finishing with gulab jamun (milky dough balls soaked in sweet syrup) and falooda (a fragrant, creamy dessert drink made with ice cream, dried fruits, jelly and vermicelli noodles). For a different vibe, head to Hussainabad Food Street, a lively, no-frills spot famous for grilled meats, spicy snacks and a buzzing late-night crowd of families and night owls alike. And always end your meal the Karachi way, with paan, a betel leaf filled with sweet preserves and spices. The city's red-stained sidewalks and walls are proof: Karachi runs on paan. Late-night chai: Rather than bars, chai dhabas form the city's social hubs, buzzing late into the night. Menus mostly feature doodh patti (milk tea) and stuffed parathas (fried flatbreads), but vibes vary: While original dhabas are no-frills with plastic chairs and kettles set on coal-fired stoves, newer spots have playlists, fairy lights, and younger crowds. Most are open-air, letting you catch Karachi's salty evening breeze while you talk politics and try to solve the world's problems drinking cup after cup after cup. What to buy: Lawn cloth, Karachi's go-to summer fabric, makes for a perfect souvenir. Grab an unstitched set sold in rolls of cloth from a local bazaar or mall, get it stitched by a tailor in days, or pick a ready-made outfit from brands like Khaadi or Sapphire. Add an ajrak scarf for a bold, local touch. For something more personal, artists like YouAreFlover can hand-paint designs inspired by truck art on your shoes or suitcase. An ideal day: Spend a Sunday morning at the Frere Hall book bazaar, browsing second-hand titles and new poetry under sprawling banyan trees. Nearby, admire the surreal ceiling murals by the late Pakistani artist and calligrapher Sadequain, whose sweeping works turn the historic hall into a gallery. From there, dive into the chaos of Empress Market, a 19th-century relic selling fresh produce, dried fruit, and herbs that is full of colour and colonial history. Take a peaceful stroll through Mohatta Palace, where larger-than-life portraits tell Pakistan's founding story. If your Urdu is up to it, catch a theatre play or comedy show at the Arts Council, hosting everything from traditional mushairas (poem recitals) to sharp modern satire. End your day at Clifton Beach — not for swimming, but for camel rides, masala corn on the cob and the cooling sea breeze. For a dose of Karachi's creative pulse, gallery-hop between Canvas and VM Art Gallery, or drop in on a poetry slam, pop-up gig or film screening at T2F or District 19. Getting away: For an escape from the city, drive two hours west to Mubarak Village or Charna Island for turquoise water, coral patches and quiet fishing villages. Or stay closer at Turtle Beach, where locals surf and friends gather for overnight barbecues in rented private huts that go for as low as 10,000 Pakistani rupees ($35). Biggest misconception: As with most global cities, it's important to keep your wits about you. Muggings are not uncommon, so keep your phone tucked away and avoid wearing flashy jewellery. But don't keep your guard up too high, either. You never know when you'll be handed a free meal or a friendly smile from a stranger. This city isn't for the faint-hearted, but it's full of wonderful surprises, too. Faux pas: Don't expect to tap your card everywhere — cash is king in Karachi. Avoid handing over large notes at stalls; vendors rarely have change and might just give it to you for free if you look like a tourist. And always take your shoes off before entering mosques or shrines — no exceptions. CITY MEMO DATA POINTS Population: 20 million Price of a chai: 100 Pakistani rupees ($0.35) from a roadside dhaba and 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) from a place like Chotu Chaiwala. Price of an ice cream: 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) for a generous scoop of crunch (caramel swirls) or Peshawari (a dense, milky vanilla-style flavour enriched with clotted cream) from one of the many Peshawari ice cream outlets across Karachi. Great place to see a sunset: Clifton Beach near Nishan-e-Pakistan promises a sunset with the sea breeze and camel silhouettes. Kidney Hill Park gives a quieter, elevated view of the skyline and a distant view of the port. Or head to Do Darya, where grilled seafood pairs perfectly with the sun sinking into the waves. Popular influencer: A doctor by training and a storyteller by instinct, Bilal Hassan (known by his Instagram handle @Mystapaki) documents Karachi in all its raw, beautiful chaos — from rain-drenched alleys and traffic standstills to quiet moments of daily life. His posts aren't filtered for perfection; they're grounded, human and often laced with humour. It's Karachi, as lived and felt. Largest university: Karachi University, 41,000 students om and the App!
India.com
02-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines
Home Business Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines These new rules will now also cover auto-rickshaws and bike taxis. Each state government will be responsible for deciding the base fare for different vehicle types like taxis, autos, and bike taxis. The government has made a big change in how much cab companies like Ola, Uber, inDrive, and Rapido can charge during peak hours. Earlier, these companies were only allowed to increase fares up to 1.5 times the base fare during busy times. But now, under new rules, they can charge up to 2 times the base fare during peak hours. At the same time, during less busy hours, they cannot lower the fare below 50 per cent of the base fare. This is to make sure drivers still earn a fair amount, even when demand is low. States given 3 months to follow the new rules According to the Times of India, the central government has asked all states to put these rules into action within three months. The goal is to reduce the burden on passengers during high-demand times while also stopping companies from offering heavy discounts that create unfair competition. In short, the government wants to make pricing more balanced for both passengers and drivers. New rules on ride cancellations and fines The government has introduced clear rules for both drivers and passengers when a ride is cancelled: If a driver accepts a ride on the app but later cancels it without a valid reason, a penalty of 10 per cent of the fare or Rs. 100 (whichever is lower) will be charged. This fine will be shared between the driver and the company. If a passenger cancels the booking without a valid reason, the same penalty (10 per cent of fare or up to Rs. 100) will apply to them too. Insurance now mandatory for drivers All cab companies will now need to make sure their drivers have: At least Rs. 5 lakh health insurance, and At least Rs. 10 lakh term life insurance Who will decide the base fares? These new rules will now also cover auto-rickshaws and bike taxis. Each state government will be responsible for deciding the base fare for different vehicle types like taxis, autos, and bike taxis. For example: In Delhi and Mumbai, taxi base fares are around Rs. 20–21 per km In Pune, the base fare is about Rs. 18 per km If a state has not fixed a base fare yet, then the cab company must set a fare and inform the state government about it. These changes aim to make fares fair and services more reliable for everyone, drivers and riders alike. No more charges for 'empty ride' distance Here's some good news for passengers: you will not have to pay for the distance the driver covers to reach your pickup point. This is called the 'empty ride' fare, and it's now been removed. If the driver has to travel less than 3 kilometers to pick you up, then a small charge may apply. In all other cases, fare will be calculated only from the time the trip starts until it ends at your destination. New safety measures for passengers To make rides safer, the government has made some new rules: Every cab must now have a Vehicle Location and Tracking Device (VLTD). This tracking info should be available to both the cab company and the state government's control center. Driver training made mandatory All companies will have to give their drivers a refresher training course every year. Drivers who fall in the bottom 5 per cent rating group (based on how long they've worked with the company) must go through this training every 3 months. If these drivers do not attend the training, they will not be allowed to drive on the company's platform. These steps are meant to improve safety, service quality, and trust in ride-sharing platforms for everyone. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Business News on
Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Alternativa Film Festival 2026 welcomes submissions from India
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 19: Alternativa has announced that the 3rd edition of the Alternativa Film Festival will take place in Colombia in Q2 2026, with an expanded prize fund of 120,000 USD (an increase of 20,000 USD from the previous edition) and a new award category for a feature film from the focus region, bringing the total number of awards to seven. The open call for submissions runs from June 10 to October 10, 2025. Feature-length films of all genres are accepted from India, Latin America and Asia. Alternativa Film Festival honors films that bring positive change to the world and society, combining artistic excellence with the potential for significant social impact. Last year, in 2024, two Indian films, Mikka Bannada Hakki(Bird of a Different Feather-Kannada) directed by Manohara K and Kottukkaali (The Adamant Girl-Tamil) directed by Vinothraj PS won Spotlight Award and Nativa Award, respectively at the Alternativa Film Project. A message from Arsen Tomsky, CEO and founder of inDrive and the visionary behind Alternativa, was shared during the press conference: "At inDrive, we believe that talent and powerful stories should never be limited by borders -- and that art has the power to create meaningful change for millions of people around the world. It can also help advance inDrive's mission of challenging injustice -- both through our business and beyond. That's why we founded and support Alternativa and its festival that gives impact filmmakers from the Global South a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated". The Alternativa Film Awards recognise films with artistic excellence that also address important social and cultural topics, and which have an ambition to positively affect the lives of people and local communities and to challenge injustice in line with the mission of inDrive. In 2024, the festival received over 1,000 submissions from 33 countries. India was among the 25 shortlisted films. The open call for the Alternativa Film Festival 2026 begins on June 10 and will remain open until October 10, 2025. Fiction films, documentaries, animations, and hybrid works of all genres completed after January 1, 2025, are eligible. For films with a world premiere before August 1, 2025, the submission deadline is September 1, 2025, at 23:59 (UTC -5). For films with a world premiere after August 1, 2025, the deadline is October 10, 2025, at 23:59 (UTC -5). A full list of eligible countries and detailed film requirements can be found in the Rules & Regulations, available on the official Alternativa website: The host city and exact dates of the Alternativa Film Festival 2026, along with the names of the Selection Committee and the International Jury, will be announced in the coming months. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Finextra
12-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
InDrive brings Pix P2P payments to the ride-hailing sector
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform operating across 48 countries, has introduced seamless Pix via Open Finance payments for its ride-hailing and delivery services in Brazil. 0 With technology provided by Belvo, the new feature - an innovation in the Brazilian Ride Hailing and Delivery landscapes - brings an integrated, peer to peer, safe and effortless digital payment option into the inDrive app. The feature marks the company's first fully integrated peer-to-peer payment solution at a global level. Powered by Belvo, the leading Open Finance platform in Latin America, the new feature enables fast, secure, and intuitive Pix transactions — fully embedded within the inDrive app, the world's second-most downloaded app in the ride-hailing category. This launch also reflects inDrive's long-standing commitment to freedom of choice — giving users the ability to select the payment method that fits their preferences and daily routines. The instant payment system — commonly referred to in the industry as RTP (real-time payment) or A2A (account-to-account) — marks a significant breakthrough in the Brazilian market. With Pix via Open Finance now available alongside cash and card, in some cities, inDrive users across Brazil can choose exactly how they want to pay. Once the option is selected, passengers and delivery customers are guided through a simple in-app flow to complete payment via their preferred bank. Drivers receive funds directly to their bank accounts in real time — with no manual data exchange required. The shift to seamless Pix isn't just about following trends — it's about meeting people where they are. Stefano Mazzaferro, Brazil Country Manager at inDrive, commented: "We believe true innovation doesn't always mean creating something new — sometimes, it means making what people already love and do even better. Pix is part of everyday life in Brazil, and by making it seamless, we're giving our users the freedom to pay on their terms, in a way that's at the same time natural, safe, and fast.' This is the first fully embedded Pix payment experience in Brazil's ride-hailing and delivery landscape — a significant step beyond the existing wallet or card-based solutions. With Pix as a blueprint, inDrive is laying the groundwork to expand real-time, cashless payments in other key markets — always guided by the same principle: giving people more control, flexibility, and freedom.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mobility Without Borders: inDrive Champions People-First Innovation to Drive Economic Growth at Africa Tech Week
At this year's Africa Tech Week, global mobility innovator inDrive ( took centre stage to present a powerful case for people-driven digital platforms as a catalyst for economic growth in South Africa. inDrive laid out a compelling vision for how this type of transparent and justice lead-technology-enabled mobility is transforming urban life, creating economic opportunity, and fostering inclusion. 'As urbanisation accelerates, mobility is no longer just about travel — it's about access, opportunity, and economic participation,' said Ashif Black, inDrive's country representative. 'Mobility is the backbone of economic activity. When we move people affordably and safely, we move the economy forward.' Transport: South Africa's Overlooked Economic Engine inDrive highlighted the transport sector's vital role in South Africa's economy — accounting for nearly 9% of GDP. With informal and digital transport services increasingly bridging gaps left by public transit, inDrive is important to continue a modern, inclusive policy framework that reflects today's realities and tomorrow's potential. 'There's a major opportunity for stronger collaboration between government and digital platforms like inDrive,' added Black. 'We can build an inclusive, safe, and future-ready mobility ecosystem — but only if we do it together.' A Platform Built to Challenge Injustice Founded on a mission to challenge injustice, inDrive sets itself apart with a people-first model grounded in fairness, transparency, and affordability. Operating across cities including Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and Mthatha, the platform enables access, income, and options for underserved communities — disrupting the traditional ride-hailing model with purpose. From fare negotiation between riders and drivers to freedom of dispatch and no surge pricing, inDrive puts control back in the hands of users on both sides of the trip. 'Our model gives dignity and power back to the people,' said [Spokesperson]. 'But to scale this innovation sustainably, we need regulatory recognition that values fairness over algorithms.' Driving Economic Participation and Community Growth inDrive's low commission rate of just 9.99% — compared to competitors' 25–30% — ensures more money stays with drivers, many of whom are supporting families, paying tuition, and reinvesting in their communities. Beyond passenger mobility, inDrive now supports courier and freight services, enabling drivers to unlock multiple income streams and support SME logistics through a growing super-app ecosystem. 'This is more than ride-hailing,' added Black. 'It's a platform for economic participation — but to unlock its full potential, we need partnerships that include government and local stakeholders.' Innovating for Safety, Together inDrive is also pioneering tech-enabled safety solutions, including a new anti-crime device pilot for couriers in hotspot areas. Every trip is supported by shared information, community-based ratings, and transparent trip data. 'Safety is a shared responsibility,' said Black. 'We're taking real steps — but real impact will come when platforms, SAPS, regulators, and communities work hand-in-hand.' Real Impact, Real Growth With 7 new city launches in 2024, inDrive is expanding its footprint while offering riders in non-metro areas up to 40% lower trip costs. Courier services are now running in townships — a testament to the platform's accessibility and relevance. 'The demand is clear,' said Black. 'What's needed now is policy enablement, not delay. We've built momentum — let's not lose it.' A Call for Collaborative Regulation inDrive closed its presentation with a call to co-create the future of mobility — with policies that are fair, inclusive, and locally relevant. 'Many have copied what we created — but our values-driven model remains unmatched,' said Black. 'We're not just here to grow. We're here to shape the industry for the better — with regulators, drivers, municipalities, and communities.' As South Africa looks to build smarter cities and unlock inclusive economic growth, inDrive reaffirmed its commitment to being a partner for progress. 'Let's build the future of mobility — together,' concluded Black. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive. About inDrive: inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 240 million times and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation and delivery. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm. inDrive operates in 888 cities in 48 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to positively impacting the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model, and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. InVision's community empowerment programs help advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality, and other vital initiatives. For more information, visit
