The e-commerce giant has started accepting orders for over-the-counter and prescription-based medicine, traditional herbal medicines and some health devices in Bangalore. “This is particularly relevant in present times as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home,” said a spokesperson. (BBC)

Talking point: The move is likely taking advantage of the pandemic-fuelled boom in the online prescription-drug market. The plans have been in the works for a while: Amazon filed to trademark the name “Amazon Pharmacy” in January across the world, including in Canada, the U.K., Australia and India. When asked about their Canadian pharmacy launch, an Amazon spokesperson said, “We do not comment on future plans.” The move will also strengthen Amazon’s steadily growing footprint in India: it has invested more than US$6.5 billion to date into its operations in the country, where it competes with Walmart-owned Flipkart, and most recently launched its food-delivery service in parts of Bangalore.