India, Jan. 16 -- India's fastest-growing quick-commerce platforms recently began changing how they market "speed" in delivering items. Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart removed references to "10-minute delivery" from their apps and advertisements after the Union labour ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, raised concerns over rider safety and working conditions.

The government did not issue a formal ban. Instead, it sent a clear message, raised the issues flagged by gig worker unions and asked platforms to refrain from "branding" tight deadlines, as HT earlier reported.

Behind the government's intervention lay months of growing unrest among delivery partners. By late 2025, protests over unsafe working conditions and intense delivery p...