In Brief: Startup founders approach CCI over Google issue; Layoffs at OLX India

A group of 13-15 startup founders, including Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma, has reportedly approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to air their concerns over Google's alleged misuse of market dominance in India. The consortium included founders of BharatMatrimony, MapMyIndia, TrulyMadly and nCore Games, The Economic Times reported, citing sources. The consortium reportedly appraised the antitrust regulator of instances where Google could be posing a monopoly risk to the country’s app ecosystem. The development comes weeks after Paytm was temporarily taken off Google Play over policy violations.

Amid strategy shift, OLX India culls 250 jobs

OLX India, the local arm of Naspers-backed online classifieds platform OLX, on Monday told TechCircle that it has laid off about 250 employees from its sales and support teams, as part of a change in company strategy. “As an example, in addition to online presence, we have added a physical network of car inspection centers that offer peace of mind in the car selling process… We are committed to find opportunities for some within OLX and Prosus businesses, and to extend to our impacted colleagues meaningful exit severance compensations and outplacement support to ensure they are well-looked-after post this transition,” a statement said. The company will renew focus on its automobile classifieds Cash my Car and job classifieds Aasaanjobs, Entrackr reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Microsoft, AICTE collaborate to skill students, educators 

Technology giant Microsoft on Monday said it has partnered with the Indian government’s All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) to offer over 1,500 course modules for students and educators free of cost through AICTE’s e-learning portal, ELIS. The plattform, a statement said, covers a broad range of technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, data science and cloud computing.

Aquaconnect creates digital aquaculture storefront on WhatsApp

Chennai headquartered aquaculture farm advisory provider Aquaconnect on Monday said that it has launched a microsite platform called Aquaconnect Super Store on WhatsApp for fish and shrimp farmers. The digital storefront, a statement said, will help farmers buy fish and shrimp feed, healthcare products and farm equipment. The platform will also house aquaculture experts to help farmers choose the right product based on respective concerns, the statement said. Omnivore-backed Aquaconnect works with over 20,000 farmers across India.