Delivery workers across India called for strikes on December 25 and December 31, demanding better pay and working conditions. Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal defended the gig economy, arguing that its visibility confronts inequality and that regulation could harm livelihoods. Critics contend that platforms shape choices and that gig work carries significant risks, advocating for a safety floor including insurance. While platforms reported normal operations, the strikes highlighted ongoing debates about worker exploitation versus choice and the true cost of convenience.