Desk note · industry · Gig economy / EV
On 9 October 2026 Eternal’s Zomato and Blinkit hosted the third EV Bazaar in New Delhi, where more than 2,500 delivery partners compared over 30 electric two-wheeler models and met lenders, chargers, and battery-swap operators. Eternal says over 200,000 riders already use EVs across the two apps.
On 9 October 2026, Zomato and Blinkit, both owned by Eternal, ran the third edition of EV Bazaar at KD Jadhav Stadium in New Delhi. More than 2,500 delivery partners attended. More than 20 electric vehicle manufacturers and ecosystem partners set up stalls. Riders could test-ride more than 30 electric two-wheeler models and talk to firms offering loans, rentals, charging, and battery swapping. Ministry of Road Transport officials also joined the event.
Delivery pay depends on how many trips a rider completes and how much time the scooter spends off the road. Renting or swapping batteries can beat buying upfront when cash is tight. Eternal says more than 200,000 delivery partners across Zomato and Blinkit were already using electric two-wheelers as of 30 September 2026. In FY26 the two platforms logged 228 million deliveries on EVs. The bazaar is a push to keep that fleet growing by lowering search costs: one venue to compare models, finance, and roadside support.
If you order food or groceries, faster EV turnover can mean steadier ETAs in dense cities. If you invest in quick commerce or auto, watch whether rental uptake through the in-app ‘Rent a vehicle’ feature keeps climbing. Eternal said more than 23,000 partners used that rental path in FY26. Wider rider adoption also feeds charging and swap networks that other commuters can use later. This sits in the same week as strong staples retail prints, a reminder that platform work and everyday shopping both keep moving even as rates rise.
Trade policy / exports
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on 22 October 2026 that India’s proposed free-trade agreement with the European Union could become operational within four to five months after signing, with the deal expected to be inked before year-end during his visit to Germany.
Food delivery / quick commerce
Swiggy reported on 22 October 2026 that September-quarter revenue rose 36% to about ₹7,571 crore and the consolidated net loss narrowed to ₹922 crore, as food delivery posted record adjusted core profit of about ₹349 crore while quick-commerce Instamart lost about ₹764 crore at the segment level amid heavier discounting and 69 new dark stores.
Quick-service restaurants / consumers
KFC and Pizza Hut operator Sapphire Foods India said on 22 October 2026 that September-quarter consolidated restaurant sales rose 20% year on year to about ₹885 crore, with KFC India same-store sales up 14% and adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 100 basis points to 7.1% even as the listed stock remained far below its 52-week high.
RBI / government borrowing
On 22 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India accepted no bids at the scheduled sale of short-dated government treasury bills, the first full cancellation in about seven months, as investors demanded higher yields amid a bond selloff, oil-linked inflation fears, and expectations of more rate hikes after October’s policy minutes.
For informational purposes only. Not investment advice. Verify with filings and a licensed adviser.