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<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the <keyword id="19998949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Payments-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Payments Interface</keyword> in the archipelago nation, which will have a "very positive" impact on its <keyword id="20260982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-sector" source="keywords">tourism sector</keyword>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives. "Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives," he said in a post on X. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their "productive discussions", Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has "revolutionised digital transactions". Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said "Today 40 per cent of the world's real-time digital payments take place in our country." "We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said. "I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism," he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange. Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past," Jaishankar said. "It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities," he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, "Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education." "Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers," he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, "India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner." He said the "enduring friendship" was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. "High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership," he said. "Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India," he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing "effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations." Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzu's proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. "This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries," he said. Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects "our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region." India's relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date. "On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights," Zameer said. In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives "are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners." "Today, we are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts," he said. In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted. India's actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper', Jaishankar said. 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India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

Nalin Bansal, Chief Relationship Management at the National <keyword id="20242630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="payments" source="keywords">Payments</keyword> Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), speaking at the Global Fintech Festival 2024 on Wednesday, emphasized that only 25 per cent of payment users are <keyword id="19900675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women" source="keywords">women</keyword>, with even lower penetration in semi-urban and rural areas. "While we've achieved significant scale in <keyword id="20377974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-inclusion" source="keywords">financial inclusion</keyword>, penetration remains a challenge, with only 25% of payment users being women, and even fewer in semi-urban and rural areas. Many women's mobile numbers are not linked to their bank accounts, hindering their participation," Bansal said. He added, "Yet, data shows women are 50% less prone to fraud and are highly loyal and engaged users. As an ecosystem, we must prioritize personalized, assisted services and continuous engagement across all channels. UPI123 has made strides, especially for initiatives like Ujjwala, and prepaid instruments hold promise as a 'secret purse' for women. Building trust is crucial, and it is our collective responsibility to foster it." Women are more likely to adopt <keyword id="20853683" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="digital-financial-services" source="keywords">digital financial services</keyword> when introduced by local agents or <keyword id="22950816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-influencers" source="keywords">community influencers</keyword>, particularly women who can help them overcome social and technological barriers. Women who make at least five <keyword id="19971375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transactions" source="keywords">transactions</keyword> in the first week of onboarding are twice as likely to continue using <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>. This highlights the need for financial service providers to rethink in-app nudges and sales metrics to encourage consistent usage. 93 per cent of women surveyed expressed the need for ongoing support during the first three months of using digital payments, particularly for grievance redressal during failed transactions. Kalpana Ajayan, Regional Head - South Asia, Women's World Banking, said, "We recognize that digital payments can serve as a powerful tool for women, enabling them to manage their finances more effectively, access a broader range of services, and ultimately secure a better future for themselves and their families." She added, "By addressing the specific barriers that women face in adopting digital payments, we open up a new frontier for growth. This initiative is about much more than inclusion--it's about positioning women as key drivers in the digital financial ecosystem." The NPCI's UPI platform has already revolutionized India's payment landscape, with UPI transactions soaring from Rs 920 million (USD 11.08 million) in FY 2017-18 to Rs 83750 million (USD 1.01 billion) in FY 2022-23, reflecting a staggering CAGR of 147 per cent. The value of UPI transactions reached INR 80.79 trillion (USD 96,287) across approximately 55.66 billion transactions in the first four months of FY 2024-25. Of the 536 million women aged 15 years and older in India, 37 per cent report using mobile internet, making the addressable market for UPI solutions among women around 200 million strong.

Women are more likely to adopt digital financial services when introduced by local agents or women community influencers

Around 75 % of <keyword id="20593458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-users" source="keywords">UPI users</keyword> will stop using it if any transaction charge is levied on the service, a survey by LocalCircles said today. The survey found that 38% of users make over 50% of their payment transactions via <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> instead of debit, credit, or any other form of digital transaction. "Only 22 % UPI users surveyed are willing to bear a <keyword id="20813527" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transaction-fee" source="keywords">transaction fee</keyword> on payments, 75% of respondents stated that they will stop using UPI if a transaction fee is introduced," the survey said. The survey comprising three broad areas, claims to have received 42,000 responses from 308 districts but the number of replies on each question varied. The questions regarding transaction fee on UPI received 15,598 responses. The <keyword id="19907219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Payments-Corporation-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Payments Corporation of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Payments Corporation of India">National Payments Corporation of India</keyword> (NPCI) posted a record 57% rise in the volume of transactions and 44% rise in value in the 2023-24 fiscal year, compared to the previous fiscal year. For the first time UPI transactions crossed 100 billion and closed at 131 billion in a financial year, compared to 84 billion in 2022-23. In value terms, it touched Rs 199.89 trillion, compared to Rs 139.1 trillion, the report said. The survey found 37 % of respondents shared UPI transaction accounts for more than 50 % of their total payment in value terms. "With UPI rapidly becoming an integral part of nearly 4 in 10 consumers, there is strong resistance to any kind of direct or indirect transaction charges being imposed. LocalCircles will escalate the findings of this survey with the <keyword id="19908390" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Finance" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Finance" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Finance">Ministry of Finance</keyword> and <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI) so that the pulse of the UPI user is taken into account before any MDR charges are permitted," the survey report said. The survey was conducted online, between July 15 to September 20.

Majority of users say they will stop using UPI if transaction fee is levied, notes a LocalCircles survey

Prime Minister Narendra <keyword id="19899684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi" source="keywords">Modi</keyword> on Friday said the government is making necessary <keyword id="20861068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="policy-changes" source="keywords">policy changes</keyword>, like removal of <keyword id="20279287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Angel-Tax" source="keywords">Angel Tax</keyword>, to promote the <keyword id="19945816" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="fintech" source="keywords">fintech</keyword> sector, even as he asked the <keyword id="19962476" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="regulators" source="keywords">regulators</keyword> to take additional measures to check cyber frauds which can have a crippling impact on startups. Lauding the fintechs for democratising <keyword id="19976433" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-services" source="keywords">financial services</keyword>, Modi said the sector, which has attracted USD 31-billion investment in the last 10 years, has played a key role in denting the parallel economy. The Prime Minister was addressing the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024, jointly organised by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India and the Fintech Convergence Council. He said the domestic economy and the capital market are in a celebratory mood at a time when the nation is also going through a festive period. Modi underlined that the government is making all necessary changes on the policy level to assist the fintech sector and gave examples of doing away with Angel Tax, allocating Rs 1 lakh crore to encourage research and innovation in the country and implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Broadly, fintech refers to entities utilising technologies for providing financial services. Expressing the need to put an end to <keyword id="19901142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cyber-fraud" source="keywords">cyber fraud</keyword>, he urged the regulators to take major initiatives to boost digital literacy. It is equally important to ensure cyber fraud does not come in the way of the growth of fintech and startups in the country, Modi said. In his speech, the Prime Minister also cautioned about the dangers of a parallel economy for the world. Fintech, he said, has played an impactful role in denting such a system and credited the emergence of transparency. He said that digital technology has introduced transparency in India and gave the example of the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer used in hundreds of government schemes that has prevented leakages in the system. "Today, people can see the benefits of aligning with the formal banking system," he said. Modi further said the trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile have broken down the mentality of 'Cash is King' and made way for approximately half of the <keyword id="20004116" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-transactions" source="keywords">digital transactions</keyword> in the world taking place in India. "India's <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upi" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> has become a major example of fintech in the world," he said, adding that it has enabled 24X7 banking services in every village and city in all weather conditions. Underlining the role of fintech in democratising financial services, the Prime Minister gave examples of readily available loans, credit cards, investments and insurance. He said that fintech has made access to credit easy and inclusive, and gave the example of PM SVANidhi scheme that has enabled street vendors to avail collateral-free loans and further expand their business with the help of digital transactions. "Sustainable <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword> is India's priority today," he said and emphasised that the government is creating robust, transparent and efficient systems to strengthen financial markets with advanced technologies and regulatory frameworks. About 800 speakers, including policymakers, regulators, senior bankers, industry captains, and academicians, from India and other countries are participating in the fest.

Removed Angel Tax, taking policy measures to promote fintech sector: PM Modi

With <keyword id="19899402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital" source="keywords">digital</keyword> adoption fast gaining currency, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is likely to see <keyword id="19992513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail" source="keywords">retail</keyword> <keyword id="19989657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payments" source="keywords">digital payments</keyword> double to USD 7 trillion by 2030 from current levels, a study by Kearney and <keyword id="19942875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pay" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon Pay" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Amazon Pay">Amazon Pay</keyword> said. In the report 'How Urban India Pays', Kearney-Amazon Pay said strong adoption of digital payments in <keyword id="21056201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-purchases" source="keywords">online purchases</keyword> has potentially led to a permanent shift in consumer behaviours, fuelling offline adoption as well. While 90 per cent of the respondents of the survey preferred digital payments when making online purchases, affluent consumers lead the way with the highest Degree of Digital Payment Usage (DDPU), tending to use various modes of digital payment for 80 per cent of their transactions. "<keyword id="19955338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="millennials" source="keywords">Millennials</keyword> and Gen X are leading in the adoption of all types of digital payment instruments," it said. "Men and women both use digital payments in about 72 per cent of their transactions, indicating gender parity." The research was based on an online survey of over 6,000 consumers along with more than 1,000 merchants through offline and online methods across 120 cities with representation from various regions, income groups, city categories, age brackets and genders. India has seen a surge in <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword>, with the market valued at USD 75 billion to USD 80 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a 21 per cent CAGR until 2030. "In line with India's digital journey, retail digital payments have grown dramatically over the past five years - from USD 300 billion in FY18 to USD 3.6 trillion in FY24. By FY30, they are likely to double to USD 7 trillion," the report said. The Unified Payments Interface (<keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>) has been a key driver of this growth, demonstrating a CAGR of 138 per cent in its volumes during FY18-24. Other instruments such as cards and digital wallets are also gaining in popularity, contributing 10 per cent of digital transaction value today. "With such dynamic developments, it is no wonder that India is a global frontrunner in the digital payment landscape, accounting for a stellar 46 per cent of the global digital transaction volumes in 2022," it said. Digital payments have penetrated small towns, with respondents in these areas highlighting that 65 per cent of their transactions are digital, while respondents in larger cities cited this ratio to be 75 per cent. "There is a strong correlation between a city's average DDPU and its retail potential, as measured by the Kearney India Retail Index, with the top six metros displaying both high DDPU and high retail potential," the report said. DDPU surpasses retail potential in some cities such as Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Ahmedabad and Pune, which have a high DDPU nearly matching that of larger metropolitan cities despite having a lower retail potential than the top six metros. The report said co-branded credit cards are gaining momentum. "Emerging methods such as buy now, pay later (BNPL), wearable payments and voice assistant-based payments are also starting to make inroads." Digital modes of payment constitute around 69 per cent of the total transaction volumes for the Indian merchants that were surveyed. Even street vendors such as paan shops, fruit and flower sellers, food stalls, and kirana stores are joining the digital payment brigade. "Challenges for merchant adoption mirror consumer concerns, emphasizing issues of financial fraud, limited connectivity and trust," it said. The report said the next wave of growth in digital payments will be fueled by increasing penetration in segments with lower DDPU, such as consumers in lower-income groups and smaller towns, along with enhancing the value of spending via digital modes of payment in the higher DDPU segments by addressing their concerns. "All key stakeholders across the digital payments' ecosystem, including payment providers, the government, and value-added services players, will need to play a part in expanding digital payment adoption," it said. The focus areas should be empowering communities with financial education by launching target programmes to boost awareness of digital payments and new methods such as UPI Lite and UPI Lite X, especially for aspiring consumer segments, women in small towns, and street commerce merchants, to encourage higher adoption. Also, there is a need to create user-friendly consumer journeys by streamlining documentation and know-your-customer (<keyword id="19910870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kyc" source="keywords">KYC</keyword>) processes, optimising user interfaces, and establishing responsive customer complaint resolution mechanisms, it said adding also there is a need to enhance digital infrastructure by addressing systems and network issues and exploring innovations such as UPI Lite X for areas with limited internet. Also, the risk of fraud has to be minimised and access to credit-based payment methods expanded by using alternate data for underwriting risk, developing innovative credit products and promoting credit education for financial health. "These areas can help India overcome challenges in the digital payment ecosystem by fostering a more inclusive, secure, and user-friendly environment, thereby enhancing the adoption of digital payments among consumers and merchants in India," it added.

India to see retail digital payments to double to USD 7 tn by 2030: Report

India has witnessed the fastest jump in alternative payment share for <keyword id="21422684" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce-payments" source="keywords">e-commerce payments</keyword> in the <keyword id="20122305" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asia-Pacific-region" source="keywords">Asia-pacific region</keyword> from 20.4% in 2018 to 58.1% in 2023 as per a report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company. Options for payment other than traditional cash include <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>, <keyword id="6354770" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="debit-cards" source="Orion">debit cards</keyword> and <keyword id="6387037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-cards" source="Orion">credit cards</keyword> among others. "This significant uptake of alternative payment solutions can be attributed to the widespread usage of <keyword id="21223853" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-wallets" source="keywords">mobile wallets</keyword>, largely driven by UPI, which facilitates mobile payments in real-time simply by scanning <keyword id="19993724" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="QR-codes" source="keywords">QR codes</keyword>," GlobalData report elaborated. The report highlights that in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the payment solutions such as mobile and digital wallets have displaced traditional payment methods like cash and bank transfers for e-commerce payments. The report states that such alternative payments are already immensely popular in countries like <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> and India and are also gaining traction in other APAC markets as well. However, China led the way in 2023, with alternative payments accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total e-commerce payments value in 2023 that took place in the entire Asia Pacific region. However, India is also not far behind, with a significant surge in alternative payment methods since 2018. The e-commerce analytics by the company revealed that even traditionally cash-intensive countries in APAC such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are witnessing a similar trend. "While most Asian markets are traditionally cash-dominated, the adoption of alternative payment methods for both online and in-store payments is growing across many markets in the region, even outpacing the West. This trend is driven by the rising smartphone and internet accessibility, increasing convenience of electronic payments, and the proliferation of mobile and QR code-based payment solutions" said Shiv Gupta, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData. The report also highlights that within the Asia-Pacific region, China and India have a higher adoption rate of alternative payment methods as compared to their peers. According to the company's 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey, alternative payment solutions account for more than 65% of the e-commerce transaction value in China, the largest e-commerce market globally. It represents a significant increase from 53.4% in 2018. Other Asian markets like Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines are also seeing higher adoption of alternative payment solutions. "Alternative payment solutions accounts for lion share in e-commerce markets across many APAC countries, supported by rising internet and smartphone penetration, and growing acceptance of digital payments by merchants. With the convenience, speed, and security they offer, coupled with high expected growth in the overall e-commerce market in the region, these payment tools are anticipated to further gain traction and disrupt the consumer payment space in the region" said Gupta.

India's non-cash payments on e-commerce platforms surge to 58.1% in 2023

Issues related to data privacy and rising <keyword id="20127272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-frauds" source="keywords">online frauds</keyword> are emerging as significant hurdles in the growth of e-commerce in India, said the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Economic Survey" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Economic Survey">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday. Citing third-party data, the survey said that the e-commerce industry in India is expected to cross USD 350 billion by 2030 and called for the need to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms. "The rise of e-commerce is constrained by inadequate skills required for online selling, such as cataloguing. <keyword id="22505774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-privacy-issues" source="keywords">Data privacy issues</keyword> and increasing online fraud have turned out to be the most significant hurdle in the growth of e-commerce in India. It becomes imperative to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms," the survey said. The survey mentioned that India's e-commerce market has gained significant momentum during the past few years, owing to technological advancements, evolving new-age business models coupled with government initiatives like the Digital India program, UPI, One District - One Product (ODOP), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), new foreign trade policy, easing of FDI limits and Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules 2021. It has identified data privacy and <keyword id="19906883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cybersecurity" source="keywords">cybersecurity</keyword> as critical concerns in the <keyword id="22505776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digitisation-of-services" source="keywords">digitisation of services</keyword> in the country and called for adopting strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and innovation, among others. "Data privacy and cybersecurity have become critical concerns with the increasing digitisation of services," according to the survey. It said that the government is spearheading data protection laws and cybersecurity policies to safeguard consumer data and strengthen cybersecurity measures in the services sector. "To further embrace technology with confidence, ensuring the adoption of strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and fostering innovation in security technologies are essential," the survey noted. It said the future of e-commerce is built on the enhanced <keyword id="20290101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="user-experience" source="keywords">user experience</keyword> through <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>, seamless <keyword id="21332958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payment-methods" source="keywords">digital payment methods</keyword>, innovations like UPI, and business engineering data analytics for business operations and enhancements. The survey mentioned that the buyer ecosystem in India is evolving at a very sharp rate, and business models will need to innovate to serve the needs of a diverse shopper base regarding service expectations, price sensitivity and language requirements. "Local language platforms are needed as the shopper base expands to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Growing startups and innovative social media platforms provide an opportunity to test unique business models that might be targeted to specific demographic cohorts," the survey said.

Data privacy issues, online frauds emerging as e-commerce growth hurdles: Eco Survey

The internet has revolutionised our lives, offering convenience and connectivity at our fingertips. With the rapid adoption of digital payments in India, fraudsters have evolved their tactics, devising new scams to exploit the growing user base. Several <keyword id="20182215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-scams" source="keywords">online scams</keyword> have been reported in India over the past few months, from the standard UPI refund scams to unbelievable scams such as the digital arrest scams. Here's a look at some prevalent online scams and how to protect yourself: <h2><keyword id="23629952" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-refund-scam" source="keywords">UPI refund scam</keyword></h2>UPI refund scam is one of the most common online scams these days. It involves a person sending the victim money and then claiming that it was accidentally sent. The scammer then asks the victim to refund the money, often using excuses such as emergency hospitalisations or other important expenses. If the victim refunds the money, the scammer then contacts their bank and reverses the initial transaction, resulting in the victim losing money. How to protect yourself from UPI refund scams: <ul><li>Do not resend the money if someone claims they have “accidentally” sent you money.</li><li>If you receive money from an unknown source, contact your bank immediately.</li><li>If someone says they have sent you money, ask them to contact their bank to get a refund.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="19939895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="phishing-scams" source="keywords">Phishing scams</keyword></h2>Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but they have become more sophisticated in the digital age. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies, sending fake emails, messages, or even websites that look almost identical to the real ones. These messages typically contain a sense of urgency—such as a warning that your account is about to be blocked or that you've won a prize. Once you click on the link, you’re directed to a fake site that prompts you to enter your personal information, including login credentials and payment details. This data is then used to steal money or compromise your identity. How to protect yourself from phishing scams: <ul><li>Be sceptical of unexpected messages or emails, even if they seem to come from trusted sources.</li><li>Check the URLs of websites carefully. Scammers often use misspelt URLs that are designed to look legitimate.</li><li>Never share your personal or financial information without verifying the authenticity of the request.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIM-swap-scam" source="keywords">SIM Swap scam</keyword></h2>As the name suggests, a SIM swap scam basically involves the scammer getting access to your SIM, either with the help of someone at the mobile service provider or through other means. The scammer often convinces the network provider to activate a SIM card they possess, gaining control of the victim’s phone number. This allows the scammer to gain access to all calls and text messages that the victim may receive, which is important in this day and age where all accounts are linked to your phone number. Once the scammer gets access to the victim’s phone number, they use it to gain access to their bank account and steal money. How to protect yourself from SIM swap scam: <ul><li>If your SIM stops working, immediately inform the telecom operator.</li><li>Make use of a SIM lock, which prevents your SIM from being used on another smartphone without entering a password.</li><li>Avoid sharing personal information online, especially things which can make it easier to crack your passwords.</li><li>Keep track of your accounts and report any unauthorised transactions.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="20415709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping-scams" source="keywords">Online Shopping Scams</keyword></h2>Beware of fake online stores offering unbelievable deals. These websites might steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or non-existent products. These websites often advertise unbelievable deals to lure in unsuspecting customers, either with the intention of stealing their data or selling substandard products. How to stay safe: <ul><li>Shop from reputable websites. Look for customer reviews and secure payment gateways.</li><li>Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.</li><li>Use a credit card for online purchases. It offers better fraud protection than a debit card.</li></ul><h2>The "Digital Arrest" scam</h2>In this chilling scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials. They may claim you're involved in illegal activities and threaten you with a "digital arrest" or legal action. To avoid this, they'll demand payment or personal information. Victims are often coerced into making payments via UPI or other digital means. The sense of urgency and fear of legal consequences often compels people to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. How to avoid: <ul><li>Know your rights: Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone or online. </li><li>Verify identities: If you receive such a call, hang up and directly contact the relevant authorities to verify the claim.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KYC-scam" source="keywords">KYC scam</keyword></h2>With the increased demand for KYC (know your customer) updates across digital platforms, fraudsters are taking advantage by posing as bank or telecom representatives. They often claim that your account will be blocked if you don’t update your KYC details immediately. Victims are then asked to share their Aadhaar number, PAN, or other personal details via a fraudulent link or over a call. In some cases, they also ask users to complete the process through UPI apps, stealing money from their accounts during the process. How to avoid it: <ul><li>Banks and financial institutions never ask for personal details over a call, message, or link.</li><li>Always update KYC details through official channels, like the bank’s app or website.</li><li>If you receive a suspicious KYC request, report it to your bank’s customer service immediately.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms">Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</a>

UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

Mumbai, <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="keywords">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> on Friday said NPCI has been asked to examine the possibility of it becoming a third party application provider for continued <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upi" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> operations of the Paytm app. The central bank has barred <keyword id="19907220" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paytm-payments-bank" source="keywords">Paytm Payments Bank</keyword> from accepting further credits into its customer accounts and wallets after March 15, 2024. With an aim to ensure seamless digital payments by UPI customers using '@paytm' handle operated by the Paytm Payments Bank, <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> said it has asked the <keyword id="19907219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-payments-corporation-of-india" source="keywords">National Payments Corporation of India</keyword> (NPCI) to examine the request to become a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) for UPI channel for continued UPI operation of the Paytm app. The request has been made by One97 Communication Ltd (OCL), which owns the Paytm brand, RBI said in a statement. For seamless migration of '@paytm' handle to other banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said NPCI may facilitate certification of 4-5 banks as Payment Service Provider (PSP) Banks with demonstrated capabilities to process high volume UPI transactions.

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PTI

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Majority of users say they will stop using UPI if transaction fee is levied, notes a LocalCircles survey

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Removed Angel Tax, taking policy measures to promote fintech sector: PM Modi

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India to see retail digital payments to double to USD 7 tn by 2030: Report

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India's non-cash payments on e-commerce platforms surge to 58.1% in 2023

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Data privacy issues, online frauds emerging as e-commerce growth hurdles: Eco Survey

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UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

Sourabh Jain

Reserve Bank asks NPCI to help continue operations of Paytm app

PTI

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