Amazon has upped the development of mechanisms to limit contact among people, and to eliminate potential exposure to COVID-19.

As part of this, the company has introduced a smart grocery cart, whereby shoppers will no longer need to checkout and wait in queues.

"Cashier less"

As part of this “cashier less” experience, both the company employees and the customers will no longer need to interact with each other.

"It's a new smart shopping cart that makes a quick grocery trip even quicker by allowing you to skip the checkout line," Amazon said in a statement.&nbsp;"When you're done shopping, you'll simply exit through the store's Amazon Dash Cart lane, and your receipt will be emailed to you”, it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/survey-says-amazon-google-pump-millions-into-websites-spreading-misinformation-about-covid-19-311753" hreflang="en">Survey says Amazon, Google pump millions into websites spreading misinformation about COVID-19</a>

Amazon is set to expand its grocery stores very soon, starting in the US state of California. To make the stores future ready, it will use a system being pegged as “Dash Carts”, which will employ sensors and cameras to lodge items in one’s cart, so that the invoice may be generated.

Every cart will be equipped with softwares complementing the sensors to identify items being put in the card, and the number of items and their price will be reflected on a display, as per Amazon.

However, to be able to use the Dash Cart feature, buyers will need the Amazon application, which will sync data based on the QR codes, after which the payment will be made through a credit card saved in the system.

"Just walk out"

In a bid for more automation and less dependence on manpower, the company has been testing its “just walk out” systems which allow a cashier less experience at grocery stores.

"Just Walk Out technology enables shoppers to simply enter a store, grab what they want, and just go," Amazon said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/amazoncom-bans-then-un-bans-tiktok-app-from-employee-mobile-devices-312476" hreflang="en">Amazon.com bans, then un-bans TikTok app from employee mobile devices</a>

Jus recently, Amazon opened a grab-and-go cashier-less store in Seattle. Additionally, the company has opened 20 smaller stores in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

All users who have already registered with Amazon with their credit card details may use the feature. The technology is not arbitrary, ie, people may continue picking up items, and may decide against buying them, after which it will be automatically deleted from the software.

(With inputs from AFP)

Amazon has upped the development of mechanisms to limit contact among people, and to eliminate potential exposure to COVID-19. As part of this, the company has introduced a smart grocery cart, whereby shoppers will no longer need to checkout and wait in queues.

Amazon has upped the development of mechanisms to limit contact among people, and to eliminate potential exposure to COVID-19. As part of this, the company has introduced a smart grocery cart, whereby shoppers will no longer need to checkout and wait in queues. "Cashier less" As part of this “cashier less” experience, both the company employees and the customers will no longer need to interact with each other. "It's a new smart shopping cart that makes a quick grocery trip even quicker by allowing you to skip the checkout line," Amazon said in a statement. "When you're done shopping, you'll simply exit through the store's Amazon Dash Cart lane, and your receipt will be emailed to you”, it added. Also read: Survey says Amazon, Google pump millions into websites spreading misinformation about COVID-19 Amazon is set to expand its grocery stores very soon, starting in the US state of California. To make the stores future ready, it will use a system being pegged as “Dash Carts”, which will employ sensors and cameras to lodge items in one’s cart, so that the invoice may be generated. Every cart will be equipped with softwares complementing the sensors to identify items being put in the card, and the number of items and their price will be reflected on a display, as per Amazon. However, to be able to use the Dash Cart feature, buyers will need the Amazon application, which will sync data based on the QR codes, after which the payment will be made through a credit card saved in the system. "Just walk out" In a bid for more automation and less dependence on manpower, the company has been testing its “just walk out” systems which allow a cashier less experience at grocery stores. "Just Walk Out technology enables shoppers to simply enter a store, grab what they want, and just go," Amazon said. Also read: Amazon.com bans, then un-bans TikTok app from employee mobile devices Jus recently, Amazon opened a grab-and-go cashier-less store in Seattle. Additionally, the company has opened 20 smaller stores in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. All users who have already registered with Amazon with their credit card details may use the feature. The technology is not arbitrary, ie, people may continue picking up items, and may decide against buying them, after which it will be automatically deleted from the software. (With inputs from AFP)

Amazon pegs 'Dash Carts' to eliminate contact among people at grocery stores

Amazon.com Inc banned and then unbanned -- in the span of a few hours on Friday -- the TikTok video sharing app from employee mobile devices, calling the move a mistake.

The news generated widespread attention for the Chinese-owned social media platform coming the same week US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was "certainly looking at" banning TikTok, suggesting it shared information with the Chinese government.

It was not immediately clear what led to the initial ban by Amazon. The ban was reversed after TikTok and Amazon representatives discussed the matter, according to an email sent to TikTok employees.

The attention underscores the hotseat that TikTok's owner, China-based ByteDance, has found itself in over recent days.

The Chinese ownership of TikTok has come under heavy scrutiny on issues including their handling of user data. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June.

The company has said user data is stored in the United States with a backup copy in Singapore. One person familiar with the matter said TikTok's user data is primarily stored in the Google Cloud in its Virginia-based data center.

Pompeo has also hinted towards a possible ban of TikTok in the United States.

Last year the United States Navy banned TikTok from government-issued mobile devices, saying the app represented a "cybersecurity threat."

Last November, the US government launched a national security review of TikTok owner Beijing ByteDance Technology Co's $1 billion acquisition of US social media app Musical.ly, Reuters first reported last year.

Meanwhile, to address concerns over its Chinese ownership, ByteDance has taken steps to shift its center of power away from China, Reuters previously reported. It is also looking to make changes to TikTok's corporate structure for the same reasons.

Amazon.com Inc banned and then unbanned -- in the span of a few hours on Friday -- the TikTok video sharing app from employee mobile devices, calling the move a mistake.

Amazon.com Inc banned and then unbanned -- in the span of a few hours on Friday -- the TikTok video sharing app from employee mobile devices, calling the move a mistake. The news generated widespread attention for the Chinese-owned social media platform coming the same week US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was "certainly looking at" banning TikTok, suggesting it shared information with the Chinese government. It was not immediately clear what led to the initial ban by Amazon. The ban was reversed after TikTok and Amazon representatives discussed the matter, according to an email sent to TikTok employees. The attention underscores the hotseat that TikTok's owner, China-based ByteDance, has found itself in over recent days. The Chinese ownership of TikTok has come under heavy scrutiny on issues including their handling of user data. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June. The company has said user data is stored in the United States with a backup copy in Singapore. One person familiar with the matter said TikTok's user data is primarily stored in the Google Cloud in its Virginia-based data center. Pompeo has also hinted towards a possible ban of TikTok in the United States. Last year the United States Navy banned TikTok from government-issued mobile devices, saying the app represented a "cybersecurity threat." Last November, the US government launched a national security review of TikTok owner Beijing ByteDance Technology Co's $1 billion acquisition of US social media app Musical.ly, Reuters first reported last year. Meanwhile, to address concerns over its Chinese ownership, ByteDance has taken steps to shift its center of power away from China, Reuters previously reported. It is also looking to make changes to TikTok's corporate structure for the same reasons.

Amazon.com bans, then un-bans TikTok app from employee mobile devices

Amazon.com Inc&nbsp;on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States to deal with a surge in online orders, as many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs during the coronavirus outbreak.

With shoppers clearing out shelves in fear of quarantines or product shortages, retailers are racing to keep food and hygienic items in stock and have employees on hand for in-store work or delivery.

<img alt="Amazon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54dbce14-e80e-4ce9-ba52-f3e48ecc1d6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2865%29.jpg" />

Like Amazon, US supermarket chains Albertsons, Kroger&nbsp;and Raley's have sought new hires to staff busy sections and fulfil online orders. They are turning to people in the restaurant, travel and entertainment businesses who are suddenly looking for work because of the coronavirus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-bans-sale-of-most-nazi-propaganda-books-citing-anti-semitism-286879">Amazon bans sale of most Nazi propaganda books citing anti-semitism</a>

"We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back," Amazon said in a blog post.

Major shipper United Parcel Service Inc&nbsp;said it's a trucking and air deliveries were still on despite growing government restrictions on commercial activities. It said Monday it was meeting demand with its existing workforce.

The coronavirus, which has led to more than 7,100 deaths globally and prompted mass lockdowns of people, has also led to items being out of stock on Amazon and some deliveries taking longer than usual.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/googles-coronavirus-testing-website-hits-upper-ceiling-after-going-live-286875">Google's coronavirus testing website hits upper ceiling after going live</a>

Amazon's headcount fluctuates seasonally, recently peaking for the holiday quarter at 798,000 full and part-time workers. It was not immediately clear how many people Amazon would employ after it hires 100,000 more.

<img alt="Amazon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cce4419f-e6ff-41d8-ab17-15d0d15b7762" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2866%29.jpg" />

To draw new employees, Amazon said it would add $2 to its minimum $15 per hour to US&nbsp;workers' wages through April. The extra pay for hourly employees in North America and Europe is expected to cost more than $350 million, Amazon said.

Meanwhile, other retailers facing long queues are making pitches for talent, too.

Watch: Tech giants makes 'work from home' mandatory for their employees amid COVID-19 outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giants-makes-work-from-home-mandatory-for-their-employees-amid-covid-19-outbreak-286624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was not clear if there would be any impact on delivery operations from new government restrictions. In the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday, officials said people must stay at home except for some essential purposes, such as work for "businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences."

An Amazon spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment on the San Francisco order.

Amazon.com Inc on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States to deal with a surge in online orders, as many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs during the coronavirus outbreak.

Amazon.com Inc on Monday said it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the United States to deal with a surge in online orders, as many consumers have turned to the web to meet their needs during the coronavirus outbreak. With shoppers clearing out shelves in fear of quarantines or product shortages, retailers are racing to keep food and hygienic items in stock and have employees on hand for in-store work or delivery. Like Amazon, US supermarket chains Albertsons, Kroger and Raley's have sought new hires to staff busy sections and fulfil online orders. They are turning to people in the restaurant, travel and entertainment businesses who are suddenly looking for work because of the coronavirus. Also read: Amazon bans sale of most Nazi propaganda books citing anti-semitism "We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back," Amazon said in a blog post. Major shipper United Parcel Service Inc said it's a trucking and air deliveries were still on despite growing government restrictions on commercial activities. It said Monday it was meeting demand with its existing workforce. The coronavirus, which has led to more than 7,100 deaths globally and prompted mass lockdowns of people, has also led to items being out of stock on Amazon and some deliveries taking longer than usual. Also see: Google's coronavirus testing website hits upper ceiling after going live Amazon's headcount fluctuates seasonally, recently peaking for the holiday quarter at 798,000 full and part-time workers. It was not immediately clear how many people Amazon would employ after it hires 100,000 more. To draw new employees, Amazon said it would add $2 to its minimum $15 per hour to US workers' wages through April. The extra pay for hourly employees in North America and Europe is expected to cost more than $350 million, Amazon said. Meanwhile, other retailers facing long queues are making pitches for talent, too. Watch: Tech giants makes 'work from home' mandatory for their employees amid COVID-19 outbreak It was not clear if there would be any impact on delivery operations from new government restrictions. In the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday, officials said people must stay at home except for some essential purposes, such as work for "businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences." An Amazon spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment on the San Francisco order.

Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos who is in India for an annual Amazon event yesterday visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. Also read: 'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts' — Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit Bezos posted a video where he can be seen in a white kurta and an orange half-jacket, carrying a colourful wreath of flowers on the lawns of the memorial at Raj Ghat.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos who is in India for an annual Amazon event yesterday visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. Also read: 'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts' — Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit Bezos posted a video where he can be seen in a white kurta and an orange half-jacket, carrying a colourful wreath of flowers on the lawns of the memorial at Raj Ghat. Just landed in India and spent a beautiful afternoon paying my respects to someone who truly changed the world. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/xDXAT9cBgf — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) January 14, 2020 × The e-retailer giant's chief executive's visit to India comes at a time when the country's anti-trust body competition commission of India is looking into alleged unfair practices by Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart. Bezos will appear on stage at Amazon’s Smbhav event for a fireside chat alongside Amit Agarwal, who heads amazon’s India operations. According to the sources, Bezos has also sought meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. Meanwhile, a complaint by the Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, whose members include thousands of traders dealing in smartphones and related accessories. Have accused amazon of anti-competitive practices like preferential listing, exclusive tie-ups and private labels. The traders have said they will hold a massive protest during Bezos' visit to India. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an organisation representing 70 million physical retailers, said it will dissent across 300 cities during Bezos' stay in the nation. CAIT has since 2015 pursued a fight against online retailers Amazon and Walmart-controlled Flipkart, blaming them for profound limits and spurning India's foreign investment rules. Both the retail conglomerates have denied the claims.

Jeff Bezos' India visit: Amazon CEO pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, to address  'Smbhav'

Thousands of small-scale traders in India are planning to organise protests against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-tweak-proposed-content-regulations-to-ease-burden-on-some-sources-272997">Amazon.com</a> Inc founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-richest-get-richer-adding-12-trillion-to-their-combined-wealth-271083">Jeff Bezos</a>, who will visit the country next week for a company event and potential meetings with government officials.

Bezos will participate in an Amazon event in capital New Delhi aimed at connecting with small and medium-sized enterprises, three sources told reporters.

He has also sought meetings with the prime minister and other government officials, with conversations expected to centre around e-commerce, one of the sources familiar with the matter said.

Details of Bezos' visit, including his arrival date and the duration of his stay, are not known.

Amazon did not respond to a request to confirm the visit. The prime minister's office also did not respond to requests for comment.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-holds-meeting-on-gst-simplification-in-delhi-262629">Confederation of All India Traders</a> (CAIT), a group representing roughly 70 million brick-and-mortar retailers, said it will protest across 300 cities during Bezos' stay in the country.

CAIT has since 2015 waged a battle against online retailers Amazon and Walmart-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/start-up-revolution-new-age-billionaires-leaving-boardrooms-to-focus-on-new-business-270238">Flipkart</a>, accusing them of deep discounts and flouting India's foreign investment rules.

Both e-tailers have denied the allegations.

Amazon has previously said its platform provides business opportunities to thousands of small sellers, artisans, weavers and women entrepreneurs. But CAIT is not convinced.

"We plan to organise peaceful rallies against Jeff Bezos in all major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata as well as smaller towns and cities," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Praveen Khandelwal</a>, the group's secretary-general told reporters.

"We expect to mobilise at least 100,000 traders in the protests."

With its 1.3 billion population and the world's second-biggest smartphone user base that relies on cheap data for social media and online shopping, India is a key market for US&nbsp;retailers Amazon and Walmart to grow their business.

Discounts on their platforms have helped lure Indians to shop online for everything from groceries to large electronic devices, a phenomenon which traders say has unfairly hurt their business.

New Delhi introduced rules last year to protect nearly 130 million people dependent on small-scale retail, a key voter base, by deterring large online discounts.

The rules forced e-commerce firms to change their business structures, drawing criticism from the United States and straining the two countries' trade ties.

The federal commerce ministry is reviewing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/flipkart-amazon-others-rush-to-pull-vaping-devices-after-india-ban-250626">complaints</a> and evidence filed by CAIT against Flipkart and Amazon, reporters&nbsp;reported previously.

Thousands of small-scale traders in India are planning to organise protests against Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos, who will visit the country next week for a company event and potential meetings with government officials.

Thousands of small-scale traders in India are planning to organise protests against Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos, who will visit the country next week for a company event and potential meetings with government officials. Bezos will participate in an Amazon event in capital New Delhi aimed at connecting with small and medium-sized enterprises, three sources told reporters. He has also sought meetings with the prime minister and other government officials, with conversations expected to centre around e-commerce, one of the sources familiar with the matter said. Details of Bezos' visit, including his arrival date and the duration of his stay, are not known. Amazon did not respond to a request to confirm the visit. The prime minister's office also did not respond to requests for comment. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a group representing roughly 70 million brick-and-mortar retailers, said it will protest across 300 cities during Bezos' stay in the country. CAIT has since 2015 waged a battle against online retailers Amazon and Walmart-controlled Flipkart, accusing them of deep discounts and flouting India's foreign investment rules. Both e-tailers have denied the allegations. Amazon has previously said its platform provides business opportunities to thousands of small sellers, artisans, weavers and women entrepreneurs. But CAIT is not convinced. "We plan to organise peaceful rallies against Jeff Bezos in all major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata as well as smaller towns and cities," Praveen Khandelwal, the group's secretary-general told reporters. "We expect to mobilise at least 100,000 traders in the protests." With its 1.3 billion population and the world's second-biggest smartphone user base that relies on cheap data for social media and online shopping, India is a key market for US retailers Amazon and Walmart to grow their business. Discounts on their platforms have helped lure Indians to shop online for everything from groceries to large electronic devices, a phenomenon which traders say has unfairly hurt their business. New Delhi introduced rules last year to protect nearly 130 million people dependent on small-scale retail, a key voter base, by deterring large online discounts. The rules forced e-commerce firms to change their business structures, drawing criticism from the United States and straining the two countries' trade ties. The federal commerce ministry is reviewing complaints and evidence filed by CAIT against Flipkart and Amazon, reporters reported previously.

Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to face 'protests' from traders during India trip

India plans to amend proposed rules for policing digital content so the toughest measures apply only to big social media firms, according to two government sources, in a move that could give relief to other tech players fearful of the new regulations.

India plans to amend proposed rules for policing digital content so the toughest measures apply only to big social media firms, according to two government sources, in a move that could give relief to other tech players fearful of the new regulations. The original proposal would have forced all tech players, in addition to Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, to deploy automated tools to check for unlawful content and to appoint an officer for "24x7" coordination with law enforcement. The rules are part of India's broader efforts to tackle disinformation and "fake news". Since 2017, rumour-mongering on social media has been blamed for mob attacks that killed 30 people across the country. But the draft proposals, called "intermediary guidelines" when they were released in December 2018, could have applied to a broad range of technology firms including e-commerce players, cloud storage providers and telecoms companies. India's IT ministry is now considering a two-tier system - with stricter rules similar to the original proposals applying only to social media companies, said the two government sources, who declined to be named as the plans are still private. "The problem is largely with large messaging platforms, ones that enable interaction. Some of the requirements for non-social media companies were unrealistic," one of the officials said. India's IT ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The second government source said that having two separate layers of rules would mean that big social media companies such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Chinese video app TikTok would continue to face stricter regulation, but technology firms such as Amazon.com could breathe easier. The official described the proposed regulation for other technology companies as "minimal" and "simple", adding the rules would be finalised later this month. India's IT ministry has previously said stricter regulations were necessary to safeguard users and the nation's security as the Internet has emerged as a "potent tool to cause unimaginable disruption to the democratic polity". The original draft rules also said companies must "remove or disable access" to "unlawful" content within 24 hours when asked by a government agency or through a court order. That particular requirement, however, would likely stay in the new rules for both social media and other technology firms, the sources said. Global internet companies Mozilla Corp, Microsoft's GitHub and Cloudflare Inc this week wrote an open letter to India's IT minister, saying the draft 2018 regulations were extremely broad and would impact many companies. Calling for new rules to be made public soon, the companies also said the timeline of 24 hours for removing content posed significant implementation challenges.

India to tweak proposed content regulations to ease burden on some: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/restrictions-on-foreign-e-commerce-companies-to-hit-fdi-in-india-us-industry-body-187129">India's new foreign investment</a> restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart, could reduce online sales by $46 billion by 2022, according to a draft analysis from global consultants PwC seen by Reuters.

Under the changes, e-commerce firms in India will from February 1 not be able to sell products via companies in which they have an equity interest or push sellers to sell exclusively on their platforms.

Announced in December, just months before a general election due by May this year, the rules were seen as an attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to appease millions of small traders and shopkeepers, who form a key voter base and say their businesses have been threatened by global online retailers.

Industry sources told Reuters the policy would delay or derail some investment plans and push companies such as Amazon and Flipkart to create new, more complex business structures.

In a private analysis PwC conducted based on estimates provided by the industry and using publicly available information, it forecast that online retail sales growth, tax collections and job creation would be severely hit if companies changed their business models to comply with the new policy.

The draft analysis has not been made public. PwC India, in response to Reuters' questions, said it "does not endorse any of these assumptions or conclusions, nor have we conducted any independent study on this".

"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on company-specific issues," PwC said.

The analysis produced by PwC showed that the gross merchandise value of goods sold online could reduce by $800 million from expectations in the current fiscal year that ends in March, a document seen by Reuters showed. Then, the sales would dip drastically below previous forecasts, lopping off $45.2 billion in the next three years, the data showed.

To be sure, sales would still be growing, but at a less robust rate than envisaged before the policy change.

Online retailers often use gross merchandise value, or GMV, based on monthly online sales as a measurement of performance, as they typically make revenue from the commissions they get from sellers.

The analysis also said that by March 2022 the Indian policy could lead to the creation of 1.1 million fewer jobs that may have been previously expected and lead to a reduction in taxes collected of $6 billion.

Amazon and Flipkart have both sought an extension of the Feb. 1 deadline, but a source at India's commerce ministry told Reuters the government was unlikely to agree.

Amazon said in a statement it remains "committed to being compliant to all local laws" but has asked the government for an extension of four months.

Flipkart has sought a six-month extension, a source said. Though the company did not respond to Reuters questions, it told India's Economic Times newspaper that it believed "an extension is appropriate" to ensure that all elements of the policy were clarified.

After Reuters' story was published, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) issued a statement saying it disputed PwC's analysis. CAIT has supported tougher scrutiny of large e-commerce players, saying they indulge in predatory pricing that hurts smaller traders.

POLICY SETBACK

The e-commerce investment policy is the latest flashpoint between India and US multinationals. US companies have in the past two years protested against a wide array of regulations - from policies calling on tech companies to store more data locally to those capping prices of imported medical devices.

Morgan Stanley had estimated, before the latest government move, that India's e-commerce market would grow 30 per cent a year to $200 billion in the 10 years up to 2027. With the rising use of the Internet and smartphones in India, online retailers have doled out discounts to lure people to shop online for everything from basic groceries to large electronic devices.

The new policy, which followed intense lobbying by groups representing millions of India's small traders and shopkeepers, was aimed to prevent such deep discounting by big online retailers.

Trader groups had alleged that online firms used their control over inventory from their affiliates, and through exclusive sales agreements, to create an unfair marketplace that allowed them to sell some products at lower prices. Such arrangements would be barred under the new policy.

A second official at India's commerce ministry said on Wednesday "there may not be any relaxations" in the policy. "We have already done whatever was required," the official said.

BIG INVESTMENTS

Amazon has committed to investing $5.5 billion in India, while Walmart last year spent $16 billion to acquire Flipkart.

"After one of the biggest foreign investments by Walmart, the government has again blindsided foreign investors," said Pratibha Jain, a partner at law firm Nishith Desai Associates, which advises e-commerce companies, adding that such policy moves made India "a difficult place to do business".

India's commerce minister, Suresh Prabhu, has said the e-commerce policy was "very clear", though the government was open to hearing views of companies.

"We would like to assure all foreign investors and domestic investors we will have a stable, clear policy," Prabhu told ET Now news channel last week.

The CAIT on Wednesday said it would fight "tooth and nail" if the government made any changes to the e-commerce policy under pressure from US companies.

"If they want to exit the country they should do it as soon as possible," said the group's secretary general, Praveen Khandelwal, adding they planned to hold meetings with the commerce minister to ensure the new policy was not "compromised".

India's new foreign investment restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart, could reduce online sales by $46 billion by 2022, according to a draft analysis from global consultants PwC seen by Reuters.

India's new foreign investment restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart, could reduce online sales by $46 billion by 2022, according to a draft analysis from global consultants PwC seen by Reuters. Under the changes, e-commerce firms in India will from February 1 not be able to sell products via companies in which they have an equity interest or push sellers to sell exclusively on their platforms. Announced in December, just months before a general election due by May this year, the rules were seen as an attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to appease millions of small traders and shopkeepers, who form a key voter base and say their businesses have been threatened by global online retailers. Industry sources told Reuters the policy would delay or derail some investment plans and push companies such as Amazon and Flipkart to create new, more complex business structures. In a private analysis PwC conducted based on estimates provided by the industry and using publicly available information, it forecast that online retail sales growth, tax collections and job creation would be severely hit if companies changed their business models to comply with the new policy. The draft analysis has not been made public. PwC India, in response to Reuters' questions, said it "does not endorse any of these assumptions or conclusions, nor have we conducted any independent study on this". "As a matter of policy, we do not comment on company-specific issues," PwC said. The analysis produced by PwC showed that the gross merchandise value of goods sold online could reduce by $800 million from expectations in the current fiscal year that ends in March, a document seen by Reuters showed. Then, the sales would dip drastically below previous forecasts, lopping off $45.2 billion in the next three years, the data showed. To be sure, sales would still be growing, but at a less robust rate than envisaged before the policy change. Online retailers often use gross merchandise value, or GMV, based on monthly online sales as a measurement of performance, as they typically make revenue from the commissions they get from sellers. The analysis also said that by March 2022 the Indian policy could lead to the creation of 1.1 million fewer jobs that may have been previously expected and lead to a reduction in taxes collected of $6 billion. Amazon and Flipkart have both sought an extension of the Feb. 1 deadline, but a source at India's commerce ministry told Reuters the government was unlikely to agree. Amazon said in a statement it remains "committed to being compliant to all local laws" but has asked the government for an extension of four months. Flipkart has sought a six-month extension, a source said. Though the company did not respond to Reuters questions, it told India's Economic Times newspaper that it believed "an extension is appropriate" to ensure that all elements of the policy were clarified. After Reuters' story was published, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) issued a statement saying it disputed PwC's analysis. CAIT has supported tougher scrutiny of large e-commerce players, saying they indulge in predatory pricing that hurts smaller traders. POLICY SETBACK The e-commerce investment policy is the latest flashpoint between India and US multinationals. US companies have in the past two years protested against a wide array of regulations - from policies calling on tech companies to store more data locally to those capping prices of imported medical devices. Morgan Stanley had estimated, before the latest government move, that India's e-commerce market would grow 30 per cent a year to $200 billion in the 10 years up to 2027. With the rising use of the Internet and smartphones in India, online retailers have doled out discounts to lure people to shop online for everything from basic groceries to large electronic devices. The new policy, which followed intense lobbying by groups representing millions of India's small traders and shopkeepers, was aimed to prevent such deep discounting by big online retailers. Trader groups had alleged that online firms used their control over inventory from their affiliates, and through exclusive sales agreements, to create an unfair marketplace that allowed them to sell some products at lower prices. Such arrangements would be barred under the new policy. A second official at India's commerce ministry said on Wednesday "there may not be any relaxations" in the policy. "We have already done whatever was required," the official said. BIG INVESTMENTS Amazon has committed to investing $5.5 billion in India, while Walmart last year spent $16 billion to acquire Flipkart. "After one of the biggest foreign investments by Walmart, the government has again blindsided foreign investors," said Pratibha Jain, a partner at law firm Nishith Desai Associates, which advises e-commerce companies, adding that such policy moves made India "a difficult place to do business". India's commerce minister, Suresh Prabhu, has said the e-commerce policy was "very clear", though the government was open to hearing views of companies. "We would like to assure all foreign investors and domestic investors we will have a stable, clear policy," Prabhu told ET Now news channel last week. The CAIT on Wednesday said it would fight "tooth and nail" if the government made any changes to the e-commerce policy under pressure from US companies. "If they want to exit the country they should do it as soon as possible," said the group's secretary general, Praveen Khandelwal, adding they planned to hold meetings with the commerce minister to ensure the new policy was not "compromised".

India's curbs on e-commerce could hit online sales by $46 billion by 2022: PwC draft analysis

Apple is on the verge of becoming the first $1 trillion publicly listed US&nbsp;company, but even if it gets there, it could soon be overtaken as Amazon.com surges from behind.

Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, the iPhone maker's annual revenue has ballooned to $229 billion, greater than the gross domestic product of countries including Portugal and New Zealand.

Apple's market capitalisation on Thursday topped a record $934 billion, following its unveiling last week of a $100 billion buyback budget and news that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway dramatically increased its stake in the company.

Thanks to a 12 percent rally since its quarterly report last Tuesday, the Cupertino, California company is just 8 percent short of hitting the $1 trillion valuation mark.

Pointing to Apple's recent 31 percent jump in service revenue, including music streaming and online storage, CFRA analyst Angelo Zino on Wednesday upped his target price for the stock from $195 to $210, which would put Apple's market capitalisation at $1.03 trillion. Zino joins at least 12 other analysts with price targets putting Apple's stock market value at 13 digits.

But Apple is in danger of being beaten to the $1 trillion mark - or passed soon after - by Amazon.com, the second largest listed U.S. company by market value, at $780 billion.

While $148 billion smaller than Apple on Friday, Amazon of late has expanded its stock price, and its sales, much more quickly than Apple. Amazon's stock is red hot, trading recently at over 100 times expected earnings, compared to more-profitable - but slower growing - Apple's valuation of 15 times earnings.

Apple's stock has risen 24 percent over the past year, fueled by optimism about the iPhone X, the company's latest smartphone. But demand for the $1,000 device has underwhelmed investors, and bulls are now focused on Apple's plan to return more cash to shareholders.

By comparison, Amazon's stock has surged 70 percent over the past 12 months, bolstered by 31 percent revenue growth as more shopping moves online and businesses shift their IT departments to the cloud, where Amazon Web Services leads the market.

Amazon is also competing more with Apple and Google owner Alphabet as it sells music and video content, its Fire TV device and&nbsp;Alexa smart home gadget.

Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, the iPhone maker's annual revenue has ballooned to $229 billion, greater than the gross domestic product of countries including Portugal and New Zealand.

Apple is on the verge of becoming the first $1 trillion publicly listed US company, but even if it gets there, it could soon be overtaken as Amazon.com surges from behind. Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, the iPhone maker's annual revenue has ballooned to $229 billion, greater than the gross domestic product of countries including Portugal and New Zealand. Apple's market capitalisation on Thursday topped a record $934 billion, following its unveiling last week of a $100 billion buyback budget and news that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway dramatically increased its stake in the company. Thanks to a 12 percent rally since its quarterly report last Tuesday, the Cupertino, California company is just 8 percent short of hitting the $1 trillion valuation mark. Pointing to Apple's recent 31 percent jump in service revenue, including music streaming and online storage, CFRA analyst Angelo Zino on Wednesday upped his target price for the stock from $195 to $210, which would put Apple's market capitalisation at $1.03 trillion. Zino joins at least 12 other analysts with price targets putting Apple's stock market value at 13 digits. But Apple is in danger of being beaten to the $1 trillion mark - or passed soon after - by Amazon.com, the second largest listed U.S. company by market value, at $780 billion. While $148 billion smaller than Apple on Friday, Amazon of late has expanded its stock price, and its sales, much more quickly than Apple. Amazon's stock is red hot, trading recently at over 100 times expected earnings, compared to more-profitable - but slower growing - Apple's valuation of 15 times earnings. Apple's stock has risen 24 percent over the past year, fueled by optimism about the iPhone X, the company's latest smartphone. But demand for the $1,000 device has underwhelmed investors, and bulls are now focused on Apple's plan to return more cash to shareholders. By comparison, Amazon's stock has surged 70 percent over the past 12 months, bolstered by 31 percent revenue growth as more shopping moves online and businesses shift their IT departments to the cloud, where Amazon Web Services leads the market. Amazon is also competing more with Apple and Google owner Alphabet as it sells music and video content, its Fire TV device and Alexa smart home gadget.

Apple is almost a $1 trillion company, but watch out for Amazon

Walmart Inc could seal a deal to buy a more than 51% stake in Indian online marketplace Flipkart as early as next week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.&nbsp;

The US retail giant has been in talks with Flipkart for months to acquire controlling stake as it looks to take on rival Amazon.com Inc head-on in India, a market where e-commerce is tipped to grow to $200 billion in a decade.&nbsp;

SoftBank Group, which owns about a fifth of Flipkart through its Vision Fund, was unwilling to sell a part of its stake as Walmart was offering to buy existing shares at a valuation of $12 billion, a price the Japanese tech investor considered low, it was reported.&nbsp;

But that stalemate between SoftBank and Walmart has ended, one of the sources said on Friday. It was not immediately clear though, whether SoftBank had agreed to sell some shares in Flipkart.&nbsp;

Walmart's purchase of new equity is likely to value Flipkart at least $18 billion.&nbsp;

It was earlier reported that Walmart completed due diligence on Flipkart and had made a proposal to buy 51% or more for between $10 billion to $12billion.&nbsp;

A third source said a deal was close, but things could still drag into the first week of May.&nbsp;

Some of Flipkart's main investors - US hedge fund Tiger Global Management, South African tech investor Naspers and venture capital firm Accel - are likely to take a full exit as Walmart purchases their shares, as per sources.&nbsp;

Sachin and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees who founded Flipkart in 2007 in India's tech hub of Bengaluru, are also likely to part sell their stake as part of the deal, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

All sources declined to be named as the talks are not public. Flipkart, SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while a representative for Walmart in India declined to comment.

Walmart has been in talks with Flipkart for months to acquire a controlling stake in the firm as it looks to take on rival Amazon.com Inc head-on in India.

Walmart Inc could seal a deal to buy a more than 51% stake in Indian online marketplace Flipkart as early as next week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. The US retail giant has been in talks with Flipkart for months to acquire controlling stake as it looks to take on rival Amazon.com Inc head-on in India, a market where e-commerce is tipped to grow to $200 billion in a decade. SoftBank Group, which owns about a fifth of Flipkart through its Vision Fund, was unwilling to sell a part of its stake as Walmart was offering to buy existing shares at a valuation of $12 billion, a price the Japanese tech investor considered low, it was reported. But that stalemate between SoftBank and Walmart has ended, one of the sources said on Friday. It was not immediately clear though, whether SoftBank had agreed to sell some shares in Flipkart. Walmart's purchase of new equity is likely to value Flipkart at least $18 billion. It was earlier reported that Walmart completed due diligence on Flipkart and had made a proposal to buy 51% or more for between $10 billion to $12billion. A third source said a deal was close, but things could still drag into the first week of May. Some of Flipkart's main investors - US hedge fund Tiger Global Management, South African tech investor Naspers and venture capital firm Accel - are likely to take a full exit as Walmart purchases their shares, as per sources. Sachin and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees who founded Flipkart in 2007 in India's tech hub of Bengaluru, are also likely to part sell their stake as part of the deal, one of the sources said. All sources declined to be named as the talks are not public. Flipkart, SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while a representative for Walmart in India declined to comment.

Walmart could buy controlling stake in Flipkart by next week

Netflix Inc&#39;s shares rose 13 percent to a record high on Tuesday after the video streaming service trounced Wall Street targets for new subscribers in the fourth quarter.

At least 16 brokerages raised their price targets for the company&#39;s shares by as much as $72. Analysts at Bernstein were most bullish, setting targets of $302 compared to the $252 it traded at on Tuesday. 
The video-streaming giant crossed $100 billion market value for the first time and was on track to add more than $10 billion if current prices hold.&nbsp;

In a statement after markets closed on Monday, Netflix said it added 6.36 million subscribers in international markets in the fourth quarter, beating analysts&#39; expectations of 5.1 million, according to FactSet.

It now has 117.58 million streaming subscribers globally.

&quot;Overall, this was a &#39;home run quarter&#39; for Netflix and should put any lingering worries to rest around sub(scriber) growth, international ramp, and the &#39;negative&#39; possible effects from the (subscription) price increase,&quot; GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said.

The company, which showcased popular returning series &quot;Stranger Things&quot;, &quot;The Crown&quot; and &quot;Black Mirror&quot; in the quarter, in October hiked its monthly fees for US customers for the first time in two years. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;The subscriber growth validates management&#39;s ongoing content investment, and should contribute to comfort with 2018&#39;s increased $7.5-8.0B content spend and associated marketing to support the content slate and ever-growing library,&quot; Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Graham said.

Netflix and its peers Hulu and Amazon.com Inc&#39;s Prime Video are steadily increasing budgets for producing original shows as they gain market share from traditional cable TV providers.

In contrast, US wireless carrier Verizon Communications Inc said on Tuesday that it lost a net of 29,000 Fios Video connections in the latest quarter, reflecting the shift from traditional linear video to over-the-top offerings.

Netflix spent $90 million on Will Smith action movie &quot;Bright&quot; last year, its largest investment in an original film to date, and is already planning a sequel and additional investment in original films.

&quot;Netflix continues to prove out the thesis that Internet TV is replacing linear TV on a global basis,&quot; Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Jayant said.

Out of the 44 analysts that cover Netflix&#39;s stock, 27 now rate it at &quot;buy&quot; or higher, 15 at &quot;hold&quot; and two at &quot;sell&quot; or lower. The median price target for the stock was $275.

Hulu ended 2017 with 17 million subscribers while analysts estimate Amazon&#39;s Prime service, which includes a free video subscription, has around 90 million customers.

Shares in Los Gatos, California-based Netflix were up 11.7 percent at $254.31 on the Nasdaq. At Tuesday&#39;s session high of $257.71, the company was worth about $111.5 billion.

Netflix and its peers Hulu and Amazon.com Inc's Prime Video are steadily increasing budgets for producing original shows as they gain market share from traditional cable TV providers.

Netflix Inc's shares rose 13 percent to a record high on Tuesday after the video streaming service trounced Wall Street targets for new subscribers in the fourth quarter. At least 16 brokerages raised their price targets for the company's shares by as much as $72. Analysts at Bernstein were most bullish, setting targets of $302 compared to the $252 it traded at on Tuesday. The video-streaming giant crossed $100 billion market value for the first time and was on track to add more than $10 billion if current prices hold. In a statement after markets closed on Monday, Netflix said it added 6.36 million subscribers in international markets in the fourth quarter, beating analysts' expectations of 5.1 million, according to FactSet. It now has 117.58 million streaming subscribers globally. "Overall, this was a 'home run quarter' for Netflix and should put any lingering worries to rest around sub(scriber) growth, international ramp, and the 'negative' possible effects from the (subscription) price increase," GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said. The company, which showcased popular returning series "Stranger Things", "The Crown" and "Black Mirror" in the quarter, in October hiked its monthly fees for US customers for the first time in two years. "The subscriber growth validates management's ongoing content investment, and should contribute to comfort with 2018's increased $7.5-8.0B content spend and associated marketing to support the content slate and ever-growing library," Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Graham said. Netflix and its peers Hulu and Amazon.com Inc's Prime Video are steadily increasing budgets for producing original shows as they gain market share from traditional cable TV providers. In contrast, US wireless carrier Verizon Communications Inc said on Tuesday that it lost a net of 29,000 Fios Video connections in the latest quarter, reflecting the shift from traditional linear video to over-the-top offerings. Netflix spent $90 million on Will Smith action movie "Bright" last year, its largest investment in an original film to date, and is already planning a sequel and additional investment in original films. "Netflix continues to prove out the thesis that Internet TV is replacing linear TV on a global basis," Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Jayant said. Out of the 44 analysts that cover Netflix's stock, 27 now rate it at "buy" or higher, 15 at "hold" and two at "sell" or lower. The median price target for the stock was $275. Hulu ended 2017 with 17 million subscribers while analysts estimate Amazon's Prime service, which includes a free video subscription, has around 90 million customers. Shares in Los Gatos, California-based Netflix were up 11.7 percent at $254.31 on the Nasdaq. At Tuesday's session high of $257.71, the company was worth about $111.5 billion.

Netflix shares hit record high after blockbuster results

Amazon.com Inc on Monday opens a rainforest-like office space in Seattle that it hopes will spark new ideas for employees.

While cities across North America are seeking to host Seattle-based Amazon&#39;s second headquarters, the world&#39;s largest online retailer is still expanding its main campus. Company office towers and high-end eateries have taken the place of warehouses and parking lots in Seattle`s South Lake Union district. The Spheres complex, officially open to workers on Tuesday, is the pinnacle of a decade of development here.

The Spheres` three glass domes house some 40,000 plants of 400 species. Amazon, famous for its demanding work culture, hopes the Spheres` lush environs will let employees reflect and have chance encounters, spawning new products or plans.

The space is more like a greenhouse than a typical office. Instead of enclosed conference rooms or desks, there are walkways and unconventional meeting spaces with chairs.

Amazon has invested $3.7 billion on buildings and infrastructure in Seattle from 2010 to summer 2017, a figure that has public officials competing for its &quot;HQ2&quot; salivating. Amazon has said it expects to invest more than $5 billion in construction of HQ2 and to create as many as 50,000 jobs.

Earlier this month, the online retailer narrowed 238 applications for its second headquarters to 20. The finalists, from Boston and New York to Austin, Texas, largely fit the bill of being big metropolises that can attract highly educated tech talent.

Amazon started the frenzied HQ2 contest last summer and plans to pick a winner later this year.

Seattle`s mayor, the governor of Washington and Amazon`s top real estate executive were expected to speak during the Spheres` opening ceremony. The Spheres will become part of Amazon`s guided campus tours, and members of the public can also visit an exhibit at the Spheres by appointment starting Tuesday.

The Spheres` three glass domes house some 40,000 plants of 400 species

Amazon.com Inc on Monday opens a rainforest-like office space in Seattle that it hopes will spark new ideas for employees. While cities across North America are seeking to host Seattle-based Amazon's second headquarters, the world's largest online retailer is still expanding its main campus. Company office towers and high-end eateries have taken the place of warehouses and parking lots in Seattle`s South Lake Union district. The Spheres complex, officially open to workers on Tuesday, is the pinnacle of a decade of development here. The Spheres` three glass domes house some 40,000 plants of 400 species. Amazon, famous for its demanding work culture, hopes the Spheres` lush environs will let employees reflect and have chance encounters, spawning new products or plans. The space is more like a greenhouse than a typical office. Instead of enclosed conference rooms or desks, there are walkways and unconventional meeting spaces with chairs. Amazon has invested $3.7 billion on buildings and infrastructure in Seattle from 2010 to summer 2017, a figure that has public officials competing for its "HQ2" salivating. Amazon has said it expects to invest more than $5 billion in construction of HQ2 and to create as many as 50,000 jobs. Earlier this month, the online retailer narrowed 238 applications for its second headquarters to 20. The finalists, from Boston and New York to Austin, Texas, largely fit the bill of being big metropolises that can attract highly educated tech talent. Amazon started the frenzied HQ2 contest last summer and plans to pick a winner later this year. Seattle`s mayor, the governor of Washington and Amazon`s top real estate executive were expected to speak during the Spheres` opening ceremony. The Spheres will become part of Amazon`s guided campus tours, and members of the public can also visit an exhibit at the Spheres by appointment starting Tuesday.

Amazon.com opens its own rainforest in Seattle

Amazon.com Inc&rsquo;s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon&rsquo;s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan ($301 million), ending the U.S. firms&rsquo;s cloud-computing business in the country.Sinnet, which began operating the Amazon services in August 2016, said in a filing late on Monday the pending purchase would help the unit &ldquo;comply with local laws and regulations and further improve service quality and security.&rdquo;

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning.

Chinese regulators are tightening rules on foreign data and cloud services, including new surveillance measures and increased scrutiny of cross-border data transfers.

In August Sinnet told customers it would begin shutting down VPNs and other services on its networks that allow users to circumvent China&rsquo;s Great Firewall, citing direct instructions from the government.

The changes are linked to new national cyber laws that came into effect in 2017, which make network providers liable for content deemed dangerous or offensive to &ldquo;socialist values&rdquo;.

In 2013 Amazon&rsquo;s web services business signed agreements with provincial governments in China, and has previously worked with some of China&rsquo;s largest tech firms including Xiaomi Inc, Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd and Kingsoft Corp Ltd.

Cloud services have become a crowded and competitive field in China in recent years, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd&rsquo;s cloud unit opening over a dozen overseas data centers since 2016.

($1 = 6.6400 Chinese yuan renminbi)

?Amazon.com Inc?s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon?s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan, ending the U.S. firms?s cloud-computing business in the country.

Amazon.com Inc’s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon’s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan ($301 million), ending the U.S. firms’s cloud-computing business in the country.Sinnet, which began operating the Amazon services in August 2016, said in a filing late on Monday the pending purchase would help the unit “comply with local laws and regulations and further improve service quality and security.” Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning. Chinese regulators are tightening rules on foreign data and cloud services, including new surveillance measures and increased scrutiny of cross-border data transfers. In August Sinnet told customers it would begin shutting down VPNs and other services on its networks that allow users to circumvent China’s Great Firewall, citing direct instructions from the government. The changes are linked to new national cyber laws that came into effect in 2017, which make network providers liable for content deemed dangerous or offensive to “socialist values”. In 2013 Amazon’s web services business signed agreements with provincial governments in China, and has previously worked with some of China’s largest tech firms including Xiaomi Inc, Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd and Kingsoft Corp Ltd. Cloud services have become a crowded and competitive field in China in recent years, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s cloud unit opening over a dozen overseas data centers since 2016. ($1 = 6.6400 Chinese yuan renminbi)

Amazon to sell China cloud services unit in $300 million deal

India threatened to revoke Amazon&#39;s employees visa over the sale of Indian flag on its Canadian website on Wednesday.&nbsp;India&#39;s foreign&nbsp;minister Sushma Swaraj said on Twitter &quot;Amazon must tender unconditional apology&quot;.

&nbsp;&quot;They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately.&quot;

&quot;If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official,&quot; she added. &quot;We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier.&quot;

After the threat was made, Amazon took down the product from the website. A spokeswoman for Amazon said in an email, &quot;The item is no longer available for sale on the site&quot;.

Amazon&#39;s official&nbsp;account on Twitter had earlier responded to angry customers on Twitter, saying the mats were not being sold on their Indian portal.&nbsp;

This was brought to the attention of Swaraj who said she had asked the Indian High Commission in Canada to get in touch with Amazon.

Amazon&#39;s Canadian website sells doormats styled like countrie&#39;s flag&nbsp;but under Indian law&nbsp;desecration of the&nbsp;flag is punishable with fines and imprisonment.&nbsp;Amazon Canada was not in breach of any Canadian law, under which all doormats are allowed.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

Amazon's Canadian portal sells doormats styled like national flags,?but under Indian law?desecration of the?flag is a punishable offence

India threatened to revoke Amazon's employees visa over the sale of Indian flag on its Canadian website on Wednesday. India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said on Twitter "Amazon must tender unconditional apology". "They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately." "If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official," she added. "We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier." After the threat was made, Amazon took down the product from the website. A spokeswoman for Amazon said in an email, "The item is no longer available for sale on the site". Amazon's official account on Twitter had earlier responded to angry customers on Twitter, saying the mats were not being sold on their Indian portal. This was brought to the attention of Swaraj who said she had asked the Indian High Commission in Canada to get in touch with Amazon. Amazon's Canadian website sells doormats styled like countrie's flag but under Indian law desecration of the flag is punishable with fines and imprisonment. Amazon Canada was not in breach of any Canadian law, under which all doormats are allowed. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Amazon stops sales of India flag doormat in Canadian website after visa threat

Amazon, the world&#39;s largest Internet-based retailer, said it would start delivering food from restaurants direct to customers, Reuters reported today.&nbsp;The service, however, will be available only in some parts of London. 
 
The &quot;Amazon Restaurants&quot; service would be available only to customers registered under its Prime delivery scheme, the retail giant said in a statement today. The order will be delivered for free if its over 15 Pounds ($20). 
 
Amazon is the newest entrant to the food delivery service which caters to a consumer base completely reliant on companies which do not charge a registeration fee. 
 
Companies like Just Eats, UberEats and Deliveroo have no registration fees and are a common sight on the streets of London, according to Business Insider UK. 
 
(WION) 
 
 
&nbsp;

The 'Amazon Restaurants' service would be available only to customers registered under its Prime delivery scheme

Amazon, the world's largest Internet-based retailer, said it would start delivering food from restaurants direct to customers, Reuters reported today. The service, however, will be available only in some parts of London. The "Amazon Restaurants" service would be available only to customers registered under its Prime delivery scheme, the retail giant said in a statement today. The order will be delivered for free if its over 15 Pounds ($20). Amazon is the newest entrant to the food delivery service which caters to a consumer base completely reliant on companies which do not charge a registeration fee. Companies like Just Eats, UberEats and Deliveroo have no registration fees and are a common sight on the streets of London, according to Business Insider UK. (WION)

Amazon to start restaurant deliveries in London

Amazon.com Inc said it was working on a music subscription service that would cost about $5 a month and would only work on its Echo hardware, Recode reported, citing sources. 
 
Amazon would like to launch the services in September, but has not finalised deals with major music labels and publishers, the technology news website said. 
 
Amazon was preparing to launch a standalone music streaming subscription service at $9.99 per month, in line with major rivals, Reuters reported in June, citing sources. 
 
The Recode report said one sticking point, sources say, is whether Amazon will sell the cheaper service for $4 or $5 a month. 
Amazon was not immediately available to comment. 
 
(Reuters)

Amazon would like to launch the services in September but it has not finalised deals with major music labels and publishers

Amazon.com Inc said it was working on a music subscription service that would cost about $5 a month and would only work on its Echo hardware, Recode reported, citing sources. Amazon would like to launch the services in September, but has not finalised deals with major music labels and publishers, the technology news website said. Amazon was preparing to launch a standalone music streaming subscription service at $9.99 per month, in line with major rivals, Reuters reported in June, citing sources. The Recode report said one sticking point, sources say, is whether Amazon will sell the cheaper service for $4 or $5 a month. Amazon was not immediately available to comment. (Reuters)

Amazon working on music subscription service for $5 per month: Recode

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