India, Jan. 3 -- The convenience of getting groceries or snacks delivered in under 10 minutes has become second nature to urban India. But as the New Year rang in, the very promise that defines quick commerce found itself under scrutiny, raising a growing question of convenience versus cost of mental health. On December 31, 2025, gig workers across several cities went on strike, calling attention to what they say is the hidden price of the 10-minute delivery model: stress, safety risks, and uncertain pay.

In Delhi-NCR, where ordering food at midnight or snacks and groceries during peak traffic has become common, the pressure of the 10-minute promise plays out daily on its busy roads. "10 minute mein delivery ka matlab hota hai gaadi tez ...