Disparities in App-Based Taxi Fare Based on Phone Type

Recent observations suggest that there may be a difference in the fares displayed on Android and iPhone devices for the same rides booked through app-based taxi services. This could imply that pricing algorithms might be designed to charge Apple users higher rates.

Survey Insights by LocalCircles

LocalCircles, a community platform, conducted a survey to explore consumer experiences with dark patterns in ride-hailing apps. The survey received responses from 33,000 users across 269 districts in India.

• Demographics: 
  • 61% of respondents were men, while 39% were women.
• Key Findings: 
  • 42% of users encountered hidden charges not disclosed upfront.
  • 84% experienced 'forced action', being compelled to cancel a ride.
  • 78% reported 'bait and switch' tactics, where the waiting time shown was significantly less than the actual time.

Dark Patterns Employed by Ride-Hailing Platforms

• Uber: Utilizes forced action, interface interference, bait and switch, and drip pricing.
• Ola: Employs forced action, bait and switch, and drip pricing.
• BluSmart, InDrive, Rapido: All use drip pricing.

Prevalence of Dark Patterns

According to the survey, eight in ten app taxi users reported experiencing dark patterns such as bait and switch and forced action, while four in ten confirmed experiencing drip pricing.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Alert Summary

Overview

The CDSCO flagged select batches of two drugs as spurious and listed 111 other drugs and formulations as not of standard quality (NSQ) in their November 2024 update.

Spurious Drugs Identified

The flagged spurious drugs include:

• Pan D marketed by Alkem Laboratories.
• Augmentin 625 Duo marketed by GlaxoSmithKline Pharma.

The alert does not name the drug manufacturers as the batches were reportedly not produced by them but were imitated by unauthorized entities.

Investigation and Regulatory Surveillance

An investigation has been initiated to identify unauthorized manufacturers. The CDSCO conducts continuous surveillance by sampling drugs from sales/distribution points and maintains a monthly list of spurious drugs to inform stakeholders.

Non-Standard Quality (NSQ) Drugs

A total of 111 drugs were identified as NSQ, categorized by the following:

• 41 drugs identified by central drug laboratories.
• 70 drugs flagged by state drug testing labs.

Examples of NSQ drugs include:

• Ozomet PG2 tablets by Ozone Pharmaceuticals (hypertension medication).
• Tofajak tablets by Cipla (treatment for rheumatoid arthritis).
• Monit SR30 tablets by Intas Pharma (chest pain medication).

Geographical Production Insights

Most of the NSQ drugs were produced in major pharmaceutical hubs like Ahmedabad, Baddi, Puducherry, Haridwar, and Roorkee.

Significance of Reporting

The increased reporting from state drug authorities to the central database signifies improvement in the tracking and availability of quality medicines.