Traders’ body CAIT and mobile retailers’ association AIMRA have urged the Competition Commission of India to suspend e-commerce giants Flipkart and Amazon, accusing them of predatory pricing and deep discounting. They also claim that these practices foster grey markets, leading to tax evasion. AIMRA also called for the suspension of Chinese mobile brands like OnePlus and Poco for alleged collusion.
A recent comment by Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal has ignited debate over Bengaluru’s status as India’s Silicon Valley. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Goyal urged India to look beyond Bengaluru, proposing the establishment of a new township centered on entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators.
“We should aspire to go beyond. I know Bengaluru is the Silicon Valley of India, but it’s time we started thinking about creating a whole new township dedicated to disruptors,” he said, hinting at potential collaboration with the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).
The comments quickly drew a sharp response from Karnataka’s Industries and Infrastructure Minister, MB Patil, who deemed Goyal’s remarks “unwarranted.” Patil defended Bengaluru’s global reputation as a leading hub for technology and innovation, asserting that the city’s startup ecosystem is well-recognised internationally.
In response to Patil’s reaction, Goyal issued a clarificatory statement. He acknowledged Bengaluru’s position but criticised the state government for neglecting infrastructure and logistics development. “Silicon Valley in Bengaluru is suffering from the apathy of the State Government to provide quality infrastructure and good roads,” Goyal stated, pointing to the central government’s continued support, including the development of an industrial township in Tumakuru under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. He suggested that instead of criticising India’s progress, Karnataka’s government should focus on enhancing Tumakuru into a Silicon Valley-like hub.
