India’s in-demand crypto coders, restaurants vs Zomato and Swiggy, ecommerce’s EV disincentives, & more

The dichotomy in India’s crypto ecosystem is stark. While the Reserve Bank of India and private banks maintain a hard stance against private cryptocurrencies, there’s surging demand for crypto and blockchain coders as international and domestic companies set up or expand operations here.

In ecommerce, companies pushed their delivery partners to electrify their fleets but are now disincentivising them. Restaurants are pushing back against Zomato and Swiggy because of their increasing commissions but finding they can’t do without them either.

Here’s a roundup of news and analysis from last week from The CapTable.

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Why #OrderDirect doesn't bother Zomato, Swiggy

With dining out on pause, Zomato and Swiggy have become a mainstay of the restaurant business. Restaurants are urging customers to order directly from them. But building a direct ordering channel is hard and comes with additional operational and financial costs, which many small eateries cannot afford.

Ecommerce firms drive delivery partners up the wall over electric vehicles

Online retailers such as Amazon India, as part of their pledge to contain their carbon footprints, pushed their delivery partners to electrify their fleets. But without adequate incentives, and moves such as lower payouts for electric vehicles, delivery firms are questioning the viability of making the shift.

Self-taught mostly, India's crypto coders mine sudden boom in industry

India is showing early signs of emerging as a hub for blockchain development as international and domestic companies set up or expand operations here. This has boosted demand for crypto and blockchain developers in India, even if companies have to invest heavily in them, including in grounds-up training.

The Crux 

[Crisp and incisive analysis on the developments that matter]

Official digital currencies in focus as banks lock out crypto exchanges

As regulators and banks globally harden their stance against crypto exchanges, the focus is shifting to digital currencies backed by central banks. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has stressed the need for a sophisticated Central Bank Digital Currency while expressing his reservations against private cryptocurrencies.

Why ecommerce companies want to deliver liquor

Delhi’s decision to allow online delivery of alcohol has generated a buzz as it potentially opens up a massive opportunity for companies like Flipkart, Swiggy and Zomato in the world’s third-largest liquor market. But several stakeholders need to come together to make alcohol delivery via apps viable.

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