Business

Centre Partners with Meta to Enhance Consumer Protection

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

On Tuesday, the Centre and Meta launched a partnership aimed at enhancing consumer empowerment through digital literacy initiatives as part of the government’s flagship ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ programme. The collaborative campaign, titled ‘Be an Empowered Consumer,’ is designed to educate Indian citizens on identifying online threats and fostering responsible online behaviors, such as creating strong passwords, verifying online information, and reporting suspicious activities.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Prahlad Joshi, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with Meta, highlighting the importance of providing citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary for safely navigating the digital world. “Consumer awareness is essential for a sustainable and secure digital experience. This campaign will bolster consumer protection measures and reaffirm our dedication to empowering Indian consumers,” he stated.

The minister was also briefed on a joint project undertaken with IIT Bombay through a chair established by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) at the National Law School of India University in Bangalore, with support from Meta. This initiative aims to create an AI-driven, citizen-centric chatbot utilizing Meta’s advanced language model, Llama 2.

The chatbot will serve as a valuable resource for accessing consumer rights information and will function as an efficient grievance redressal tool to assist individuals in filing complaints and resolving inquiries. Currently, the chatbot is undergoing closed group beta testing and will be officially released on the DoCA’s website following the completion of testing.

Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, expressed his satisfaction in collaborating with the Department of Consumer Affairs to support India’s digital consumer protection initiatives. “At Meta, we believe that AI can empower individuals to safeguard themselves and become informed online consumers. By making AI more accessible, we aim to enhance consumer awareness, streamline complaint resolution processes, and equip people with the necessary knowledge for making informed online decisions,” he noted.

Business

Opendoor Shuts Down India Operations, 250 Employees Affected

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: US-based real estate technology company Opendoor has decided to close its operations in India. The move will impact nearly 250 employees.

CEO Kaz Nejatian said the company is bringing operational roles closer to its customers in the United States. He explained that most of Opendoor’s customers are based in America.

The company said the decision is not related to the performance of its India team. Nejatian praised the employees for their hard work and contributions.

Affected workers will receive severance pay, job placement support, and other assistance. A small number of employees will stay temporarily to help with the transition.

Opendoor said it will continue focusing on simplifying operations and improving efficiency with new technology and AI.

Business

Domestic LPG Cylinder Price Increased by Rs 29

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The price of domestic LPG cooking gas cylinders has been increased by Rs 29 across India. This is the second price hike in the last three months.

The increase comes as global energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

After the revision, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 941.40 in Mumbai, Rs 968 in Kolkata, and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. In Bengaluru, the new price is Rs 944.50 per cylinder.

The government said the cost of supplying LPG has increased significantly. However, subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continue to help over 10 crore beneficiaries.

Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also increased in recent weeks as global fuel markets remain volatile.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

1 week ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

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The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.