e-commerce
Swiggy Instamart’s life-sized pin becomes the ultimate Kumbh landmark
MUMBAI: The Maha Kumbh Mela-a breathtaking convergence of faith, devotion, and, let’s be honest, a logistical nightmare when it comes to keeping track of loved ones. With millions in attendance, finding your way back in the sea of humanity is no easy feat. But worry not! Swiggy Instamart has swooped in with a game-changing solution—turning its life-sized S-pin logo into a one-of-a-kind lost-and-found landmark at Triveni Sangam.
At the heart of the Kumbh, Swiggy Instamart has set up a dedicated stall, ensuring devotees have easy access to essentials-towels, power banks, torches, batteries, and more. Whether you need to charge your phone, light your way, or dry off after a holy dip, Swiggy’s got you covered. The demand has been soaring, with thousands of visitors relying on the stall for last-minute must-haves.
But here’s the real crowd-pleaser: Swiggy Instamart’s signature S-pin installation isn’t just for show—it’s a lifeline. Lost your family in the throng? No worries! Scan the QR code at the pin, save the location, and voilà—you’ll always know where to find your way back. In a place where getting separated is almost a rite of passage, Swiggy Instamart has turned its branding into a practical, tongue-in-cheek solution.
“Bichhad gaye toh Swiggy par milte hain” (Lost? Let’s meet on Swiggy). The cheeky sign at the stall has become an instant hit, giving devotees a reason to smile amidst the spiritual chaos. Not just a convenience hub, the Swiggy Instamart stall has become a conversation starter, a meeting point, and an innovative blend of culture and modernity.
Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha shared his excitement about the initiative, “At Swiggy Instamart, we’re always looking for ways to make everyday moments easier for our users. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a deeply significant event, and we wanted to add meaningful value to the experience. By creating a reliable meeting point and ensuring access to essential supplies, we’re making it simpler for visitors to navigate the massive gathering with peace of mind.”
With cultural insight and innovation at its core, Swiggy Instamart has seamlessly integrated itself into one of the world’s most sacred gatherings. Whether it’s helping lost visitors reunite or ensuring they stay connected and prepared, Swiggy Instamart has proven that convenience isn’t just about deliveries—it’s about being there when it matters most.
e-commerce
Flipkart rolls out 105 per cent bonus for 20,000 employees
Strong FY25 performance drives payouts even as layoffs and shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: In a year where belts were tightened and rewards loosened, Flipkart seems to be playing both offence and defence trimming roles on one hand while handing out a generous 105 per cent bonus on the other. The Walmart owned e commerce major has rolled out a 105 per cent bonus payout for 2025, covering nearly 20,000 employees, signalling a year of steady operational momentum even as the company navigates restructuring pressures. The payout, communicated internally by chief human resources officer Seema Nair, is tied to performance across key metrics including growth, operational efficiency, financial outcomes and people indicators, a combination that suggests the company is inching closer to its long stated goal of sustainable profitability.
Employees at SD level and below are set to receive their bonuses in March, while payouts for senior leadership, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents, will follow after the close of the performance cycle. The elevated 105 per cent multiplier stands out in a sector where cautious payouts have increasingly become the norm, pointing to what appears to be a relatively strong internal scorecard for FY25.
Yet, the announcement arrives with a noticeable contrast. Earlier this year, Flipkart reduced its workforce by around 300 roles as part of its annual performance review process. While officially framed as performance driven, the juxtaposition of layoffs alongside above target bonuses reflects a more nuanced balancing act, one that prioritises cost discipline while continuing to reward and retain high performing talent.
This dual approach is becoming increasingly common across the technology and e commerce landscape, where companies are navigating an uneven hiring environment while under pressure to deliver profitability. Rewarding top contributors, even amid selective workforce reductions, allows firms to maintain morale and retain critical talent without losing sight of financial prudence.
At the same time, Flipkart is also undergoing leadership shifts that hint at a broader strategic recalibration. Nishant Verman has been appointed senior vice president for corporate development and partnerships, while group chief financial officer Sriram Venkataraman is set to step down. Ravi Iyer will take on expanded responsibilities within the finance function, marking a reshuffle at the top as the company gears up for its next phase.
These changes come amid reports that Flipkart is planning to shift its holding structure back to India, a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential public listing. While timelines remain fluid, the combination of stronger financial discipline, leadership restructuring and employee incentivisation suggests a company preparing itself for greater scrutiny and scale.
For employees, the 105 per cent payout offers a welcome boost in what has otherwise been a period of adjustment. For Flipkart, it is a signal that even as it cuts where necessary, it is willing to spend where it counts. In the high stakes game of growth versus profitability, the company appears to be hedging its bets carefully, rewarding performance while reshaping itself for what could be its most defining chapter yet.
