NPCI Unveils Agentic AI-Powered IoT Payments via UPI, Signaling India’s Next Leap in Intelligent Commerce

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) today showcased a live demonstration of Agentic AI-based IoT Payments powered by UPI, highlighting the next phase of seamless, intelligent digital transactions.

Image - X/Kushal Jasani

The demonstration was presented in the presence of Shri Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder & Chairman, Infosys and Hon. Advisor to NPCI on Innovations & Public Policy. The feature, which is currently in the pilot stage, showcased how users can discover and order items seamlessly from merchants through AI platforms such as Gemini, bringing greater convenience and personalization to digital commerce.

The solution is enabled by user-authorized AI chatbots, agents, and applications capable of initiating UPI payments based on contextual triggers, voice or text commands, and user-defined routines. These AI-powered systems can operate across devices, ensuring secure, efficient, and intuitive payment experiences.

Shri Nandan Nilekani

This demonstration marks a significant step toward the convergence of AI, and digital payments, underscoring NPCI’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of India’s digital economy.

The demonstration was attended by Shri Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder & Chairman of Infosys and Hon. Advisor to NPCI on Innovations & Public Policy, underscoring the strategic importance of this innovation in India’s fintech roadmap.

From Discovery to Payment: AI Agents Take the Lead

The pilot illustrated how user-authorized AI chatbots and applications—such as those powered by Gemini—can autonomously discover products, place orders, and initiate payments via UPI. These agents respond to contextual triggers, voice or text commands, and user-defined routines, offering a frictionless and personalized commerce experience.

“Agentic AI is redefining digital payments by making them intuitive, secure, and context-aware,” said an NPCI spokesperson. “This is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a shift toward intelligent commerce.”

A New Era of Seamless Transactions

The solution enables payments across IoT devices, allowing users to interact with smart platforms—from wearables to home assistants—without manual intervention. By integrating AI with UPI’s robust infrastructure, NPCI aims to simplify everyday transactions while enhancing security and personalization.

This initiative complements NPCI’s broader push toward biometric authentication and risk-based models, including recent rollouts of fingerprint and facial recognition for UPI payments.

Strategic Vision for India’s Digital Economy

The demonstration reflects NPCI’s commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital economy through innovation. Speaking at the event, Nilekani emphasized the convergence of AI and payments as a critical frontier for financial inclusion and user empowerment.

As the pilot progresses, NPCI plans to expand the capabilities of Agentic AI across sectors, potentially transforming retail, mobility, and public services.

Viyona Fintech Wins NPCI TPAP Approval to Expand UPI Payments in Tier II, III & Rural Markets

Hyderabad headquartered Startup Viyona Fintech, One of India’s fastest-growing digital payment platforms, and the developer of GRAAMPAY and the Viyona Pay app has been granted approval by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).

This approval accelerates Viyona’s growth plans to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in collaboration with partner banks, further expanding access to digital payments across Tier II, Tier III, and underserved rural markets in India.

“This approval reflects NPCI’s confidence in our fintech applications to make UPI payments more accessible for farmers, shopkeepers, and households. Through GRAAMPAY and the Farmers Marketplace, we are focused on providing simple and secure financial tools that support both urban and underserved rural communities,” said Ravindranath Yarlagadda, Founder of Viyona Fintech.

Viyona’s flagship product GRAAMPAY, is designed to address the unmet digital payment needs in rural India. The platform enables farmers, small merchants, and local communities to carry out digital collections, payouts, and UPI transactions. It also supports rural e-commerce and promotes financial literacy through a network of Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

As part of its expansion strategy, Viyona is preparing to launch a Farmers Marketplace within its GRAAMPAY platform. The new feature will connect farmers directly with buyers, aiming to improve price transparency, speed up settlements, and expand access to UPI-based payments.

Viyona Fintech provides a range of UPI-based financial transaction services, including PayIn, PayOut, Virtual Account Numbers, and UPI switching. Its platform is designed to help users manage payment collections, disbursements, and reconciliation processes while ensuring security and operational efficiency.

About Viyona Fintech: Viyona Fintech is a digital payments platform offering innovative UPI-based solutions, including UPI Autopay, UPI Lite, and Credit Card on UPI services. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, accessibility, and regulatory compliance, Viyona empowers individuals, merchants, and communities by delivering transparent, reliable, and easy-to-use digital financial services across India.

BHIM App Partners with Sony TV’s KBC to Promote Digital Payments Through Exclusive Game Show Week

• BHIM Payments App, Bharat Ka Apna Payments App Collaborates with Sony Entertainment Television to launch an exclusive ‘Golden Week’ in Kaun Banega Crorepati

BHIM App, India’s homegrown payment app developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), has partnered with Sony Entertainment Television to deepen the reach of safe, secure digital payments across the country through the most iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati,, Sony Entertainment Television is introducing, for the first time to a digital payment platform, a special one-week edition of the KBC Game Show, curated exclusively for BHIM Payments App users.

This collaboration is designed to enable users of BHIM Payments App across India, to get a Golden Opportunity to play the game with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The registration window for the ‘Golden Week’ opens from September 1, 2025 till October 10, 2025 exclusively for BHIM Payment App Users. Ten selected users of the BHIM Payments App will receive an exclusive opportunity to appear on the show, and participate in the Fastest Finger First round. A dedicated week of 5 Episodes Game Show will be organized and telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television with these 10 contestants

How to Participate:

Viewers are invited to Download / Update BHIM Payments App and register through a dedicated ‘KBC Golden Week with BHIM’ section within the app. To submit their registration successfully, viewer has to answer simple question, fill their basic details and submit. All successful entries will undergo the standard screening process of KBC. The shortlisted 10 candidates will then come to the KBC set and play Fastest Finger First in the Golden Week with BHIM and get a chance to reach the Hot Seat of KBC to play the game with Amitabh Bachchan. During the ‘Golden Week with BHIM’, only those (10) users who have come through the BHIM payments app will be featured.

This resonates with Brand’s overall purpose of trust and inclusiveness and the initiative will help BHIM to create familiarity (trust) and confidence in using UPI through an experience that is interactive, rewarding, and deeply local. The more BHIM app users experience the app and participate in the registration process, higher are their chances of getting shortlisted.

This first of its kind format on the show encourages citizens to not only test their knowledge but also experience the simplicity and trust of the homegrown BHIM Payment App. This initiative is designed to reach beyond digital-first users encouraging participation from families, first-time digital adopters, and citizens in Tier 2,Tier 3 cities and towns, through a platform they already know and trust.

Lalitha Nataraj, CEO, NBSL, added, “At BHIM, our mission is to become the most trusted payment apps of India and become their choice of app for any digital payments small or big. Partnering with an Iconic platform like KBC allows us to take this message into homes across the country especially in regions where awareness and comfort with digital payments are still evolving. KBC has, over the years, earned the trust of millions of families, and this association helps us build on that trust to encourage every member of the family to use BHIM Payments App for safe and secure payments. We are delighted to collaborate with Kaun Banega Crorepati and extend this golden opportunity to our app users.

For more information, visit https://www.bhimupi.org.in/, follow on [Insta - @bhim_npci, X – NPCI_BHIM, YT - BHIMNPCI]

As BHIM’s official media partner, Madison Media has crafted the high-impact outreach strategy. Abhik Banerjee, COO, Madison Media, said: “We are delighted to welcome the BHIM Payments App as a partner for this landmark collaboration with Kaun Banega Crorepati. For decades, KBC has been a platform that unites the nation, inspires millions, and captures the hearts of viewers from every corner of India. That makes it the perfect stage for BHIM – Bharat Ka Apna Payments App to connect with audiences in a truly meaningful way.

This association marks BHIM’s first-ever integration with KBC, and we wanted to go beyond just brand presence. Working closely with Sony, we have designed an interactive experience that invites viewers, even first-time BHIM users to get a golden opportunity to participate in the iconic KBC and reach to the famous Hot Seat. With BHIM payments app, the user gets easy, safe and instant payment solutions, while being part of one of India’s most-loved and talked about shows.

For us, this partnership is about more than visibility via TV presence. It is about creating opportunities, encouraging participation, and offering every Indian citizen a rewarding reason to engage with BHIM Payments App.”

About NPCI BHIM Services Limited:

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NBSL aims to enhance the adoption of digital payments through the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform and committed to providing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experience to individuals and businesses across India.

NBSL facilitates quick and efficient digital transactions, offering an accessible and reliable payment solution for all. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, NBSL aims to drive financial inclusion and support India’s journey toward becoming a fully digital economy.

For more information, visit: - https://www.bhimupi.org.in/

NPCI Expands UPI-PayNow Corridor with 13 New Banks, Boosting Cross-Border Access Between India and Singapore

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has further enhanced the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage by adding 13 more banks on the platform, extending its reach and simplifying cross-border remittances between India and Singapore. With this development, which will go live on July 17, 2025, users in both countries can remit funds to a wider base, making the service more accessible and convenient.

The expanded network for remittances to India now includes 19 banks – Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, and UCO Bank alongside Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.

Recipients in India can receive remittances from Singapore in their accounts held with any of these 19 banks through their preferred UPI enabled apps such as BHIM, Google Pay and PhonePe, as well as bank apps. Outward remittances from India to Singapore is available through Canara Bank, HDFC Bank and Karur Vysya Bank along with ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and State Bank of India. In Singapore, customers of DBS SG and Liquid Group can avail this service.

The UPI-PayNow service was launched as a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It facilitates real-time cross-border fund transfers between individuals, where Indian users can receive funds via UPI ID and send funds to users in Singapore via their mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPAs). As the world’s first cloud-based, real-time cross-border payment system, the initiative is a pioneering step in global payment connectivity.

This development is particularly beneficial for the Indian diaspora in Singapore, including migrant workers and students, bringing the ease of digital payments to everyday remittances. UPI is already accepted via QR codes at select merchant outlets in Singapore, further extending its utility.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International said, “The expansion of the UPI-PayNow linkage marks a step forward in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure. By enabling access to more banks in India, we are deepening the reach of real-time remittances and supporting greater financial connectivity between the two countries. This brings added convenience to users through a seamless and trusted platform”.

UPI-PayNow integration enables real-time cross-border remittance transactions, with funds reaching the recipient’s bank account within seconds. The service leverages strong security protocols to ensure safe and reliable transfers. It is ideal for small and frequent remittances, providing users with a convenient and cost-effective way to send and receive money anytime.

About NPCI International:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

For more information visit, nipl.com

Countries Where UPI Is Currently Accepted

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is going global —and it’s making quite the splash! As of 2025, here’s a list of countries where UPI is either live, widely accepted, or in advanced stages of integration:

Countries Where UPI Is Currently Accepted

1. France – First European country to adopt UPI; started at the Eiffel Tower
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Accepted at 60,000+ retail outlets via NeoPay
3. Bhutan – First country outside India to adopt UPI in 2021
4. Nepal – Integrated with Nepal’s national payment systems
5. Mauritius – UPI and RuPay services launched in 2024
6. Sri Lanka – Accepted at airports and retail outlets
7. Singapore – Linked with PayNow; accepted at 8,000–30,000+ merchants
8. Cyprus – Newly added in 2025 after PM Modi’s visit

Countries in Progress or Planning Integration

1. Malaysia – Expected rollout in 2025
2. Qatar – Targeted for expansion in 2025
3. Thailand – Integration underway
4. United Kingdom – Ongoing rollout at select merchants
5. Oman – MoU signed; UPI and RuPay integration planned
6. Maldives – Partnerships in progress

UPI’s international expansion is powered by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), which partners with local banks and payment networks to enable QR-based and POS transactions.

If you’re traveling, you’ll need to activate UPI International in your app and check with your bank for forex charges.

NPCI Shares 5 Key Tips to Spread Awareness About Safe Digital Payments

Digital payments have made everyday transactions faster, easier, and more accessible for millions of users across India. As this convenience grows, it is important for users to remain aware and informed. Safe payment practices are simple to follow and go a long way in ensuring secure digital experiences.

1. Always check before you pay: Before making any payment, check the name that appears on the screen. Make sure it is the person or business you want to pay. Taking a few seconds to confirm can help avoid mistakes.
2. Use only trusted payment Apps and websites: Make payments only through official and well-known Apps or websites. Do not download Apps or click on links sent by people you do not know or trust.
3. Do not share your PIN or OTP with anyone: Your UPI PIN, OTP, or bank details are private and confidential. Never share them with anyone, even if they say they are from a bank or police or any government office.
4. Do not rush into any payment: If someone asks you to make a payment quickly or share your details urgently, take a moment. You can always say you will check and call back. It is okay to take your time.
5. Keep payment alerts on and check them often: Turn on SMS and App notifications for your payments. Read each alert carefully. If something looks wrong, contact your bank or payment App immediately.

By adopting a few mindful habits, every user can ensure they take charge of their digital safety. With awareness and responsible use, digital payments can continue to be a trusted and empowering part of daily life. Report suspicious number to the national cybercrime helpline by dialling 1930 or the Department of Telecommunication (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/). Save messages, take screenshots and document interactions. This can help authorities if you need to file a report.

India Expands UPI Acceptance in Singapore, Partners HitPay

• NPCI International and Hitpay Partner to Expand UPI Acceptance in Singapore
• Partnership to strengthen existing UPI merchant acceptance network in Singapore

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has announced a partnership with HitPay, a Singapore-based full-stack payments infrastructure firm, to expand Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance across Singapore. This partnership will offer Indian travellers the convenience of making QR code-based payments at establishments across tourist attractions, restaurants, retail outlets and more.

Over 1.2 million Indian visitors travelled to Singapore in 2024. With this partnership, NIPL aims to provide a familiar payment experience to Indians travelling to Singapore. UPI acceptance will be rolled out progressively to over 12,000 merchants across Singapore. It will also offer businesses the opportunity to serve Indian consumers with a frictionless online and offline payment option via UPI.

Speaking on the development, Ritesh Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, NPCI International, said, “We are focused on expanding UPI’s global presence to make transactions easier for Indians traveling abroad. Our partnership with HitPay expands UPI acceptance in Singapore, offering Indians a reliable, cost-effective payment option during their travel. This collaboration also highlights our commitment to building a globally connected payments ecosystem”.

“UPI has transformed India’s payment landscape with unmatched speed, simplicity, and scalability,” said Aditya Haripurkar, CEO and Co-Founder of HitPay. “This integration reflects HitPay’s vision to be the trusted partner for merchants in Singapore, providing seamless access to the fastest-growing markets in Asia and beyond.”

This partnership is another step forward in UPI’s global journey, strengthening its role in the international digital payments landscape. By offering Indian travellers a smooth, familiar and affordable payment option, it enhances their experience while also deepening economic and technological connections between India and other countries.

About NPCI International:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

For more information visit https://www.nipl.com/

About HitPay

Headquartered in Singapore, HitPay is a full-stack payments infrastructure company dedicated to empowering global businesses with easy access to digital payments. Licensed in six jurisdictions, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, HitPay’s leadership team has over 10 years of experience in financial services, working closely with fast-growing businesses to build tailored solutions.

Backed by top-tier investors, including Tiger Global, Global Founders Capital, HOF Capital, and Y Combinator, HitPay is at the forefront of payment innovation in the Asia Pacific region.

For more information, visit www.hitpayapp.com or contact us at support@hit-pay.com.

Infibeam Avenues' Subsidiary Rediff Receives TPAP License from NPCI for RediffPay

Infibeam Avenues Limited, a listed fintech company, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Rediff.com India Ltd., has been granted a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for its digital payment platform, RediffPay.

As per the official communication received by Rediff from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Friday, it has been informed about the approval of TPAP license and also that Axis Bank will act as Payment System Provider (PSP) bank.

This license enables RediffPay to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services to its users, marking Infibeam Avenues' strategic entry into the consumer-facing digital payments sector. The company had previously applied for the TPAP license following its acquisition of a controlling stake in Rediff in 2024.

Mr. Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Infibeam Avenues Ltd., stated, "We are thrilled that our subsidiary company has received the TPAP license from NPCI, which allows us to extend UPI services through RediffPay. This milestone aligns with our vision to enhance financial inclusivity and offer seamless digital payment solutions to consumers across India."

RediffPay aims to leverage Rediff's substantial web traffic and Infibeam's fintech expertise to provide a user-friendly platform for secure and efficient digital transactions. The company plans to introduce a range of financial services, including credit and wealth management products, to cater to the diverse needs of its users.

This development follows Infibeam Avenues' recent achievements, including receiving the final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator for its flagship payment gateway brand, CCAvenue.

With the TPAP license, RediffPay is poised to become a significant player in India's digital payments landscape, contributing to the nation's ongoing digital transformation.

NPCI Picks Up 1.15 Lakh Sq. Ft. Office Space in Mumbai’s Goregaon

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has leased 1.15 lakh square feet of office space in Mumbai's Goregaon area.

As per the agreement, NPCI will pay a monthly rental of Rs 2.15 crore. The lease includes a clause to escalate rentals by 15%, which will take effect after three years, taking the total rental payout to over Rs 136 crore over the entire tenure of the lease.

Here are some key details:

• Location: Oberoi Commerz III, Goregaon East, Mumbai.
• Floors: 27th and 28th floors
• Lease Duration: Five years.
• Monthly Rent: ₹2.15 crore, with a 15% escalation after three years.
• Annual Rent: Over ₹25 crore
• Rent per Sq. Ft.: ₹187 per sq ft

This move highlights the ongoing demand for Grade A commercial real estate in Mumbai, driven by leading institutions and multinational corporations.

The NPCI has several offices across India to support its operations. The key locations include Mumbai, Maharashtra, with addresses at Bandra East, Mumbai, and Raheja Titanium, Western Express Highway, Goregaon East. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, NPCI's office is located Siruseri Information Technology Park, Kanchipuram. NPCI's Hyderabad, Telangana, office can be found at Ranga Reddy District.

Lastly, in Delhi, National Capital Territory, NPCI is located at Level 8, The Executive Centre, DLF Centre, Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

These offices help NPCI manage and operate various retail payment and settlement systems across India, ensuring seamless and efficient digital transactions.

Recent Real Estate Deals in Mumbai:

1. Morgan Stanley: Leased 1 million square feet of office space in Oberoi Commerz III for over nine years at a starting monthly rental of ₹15.96 crore.
2. Nielsen Media and Whats On India Media Pvt Ltd: Leased 1.52 lakh square feet of office space in Oberoi Commerz III for a starting monthly rent of ₹3.87 crore for 10 years.
3. Deloitte Shared Services India LLP: Leased 80,849 square feet of office space in Oberoi Commerz III at a monthly rent of ₹2.09 crore.

These transactions highlight the ongoing demand for Grade A commercial real estate in Mumbai, driven by leading institutions and multinational corporations.

NPCI to Promote Digital Payment Safety Through R.K. Laxman's Iconic Common Man

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the organisation driving innovation and powering India's digital payment revolution, has announced an exciting partnership with The Times of India (TOI) to launch a nationwide campaign focused on digital payment safety. At the heart of this campaign is one of India’s most beloved and enduring cartoon characters, R.K. Laxman’s iconic Common Man, who will play a key role in spreading awareness about digital payment fraud.

The Common Man, who has been a quiet observer of Indian society for decades, will now step into a new role as the relatable face of this campaign. The Common Man represents the voice of India’s average citizen through his quiet observations of society with innocence, humour, and resilience. In this campaign, he represents the millions of Indians who may feel overwhelmed by the intricacies of digital payments but are eager to learn and adapt. With his signature blend of wit and humility, Common Man will guide the public through practical tips and advice on how to avoid scams and ensure safe digital transactions.

This initiative aims to spread awareness about the different types of digital payment frauds— ranging from phishing and OTP scams to fake apps—and to arm users across all demographics with the knowledge they need to conduct secure transactions through UPI. By leveraging the emotional connection and trust that the Common Man commands, NPCI aims to make the message of digital payment safety both impactful and memorable.

Speaking on the initiative, Dilip Asbe, Managing Director and CEO, NPCI, said, “We are happy to partner with The Times of India, and their iconic character, the Common Man, in our mission to raise awareness on the importance of digital payment safety. With the growing reliance on digital transactions, it is crucial for users to stay informed about the risks and the best practices for secure payments. This campaign seeks to empower every individual with the knowledge to protect themselves from scams while making the learning process enjoyable and engaging.”

“TOI’s ‘Common Man’ has long been the voice of every Indian, and we are proud to use this voice to address the growing concern around digital payment safety. This campaign, ‘Common Man vs Con Man’ aims at creating awareness around secure digital payments. This initiative will deliver the message in an engaging and humorous way for our readers, promoting safer digital transactions for all. We are delighted to partner with NPCI, who have done incredible work in raising awareness on secure digital payments. With extensive footprint across print and digital platforms, the TOI is committed to spreading this important message nationwide.” said, Sameer Sainani, Chief Operating Officer, Optimal Media Solutions.

This exciting collaboration between NPCI and TOI marks a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, blending humour with caution, as India makes significant strides toward a more secure digital payment ecosystem.

With its emphasis on deep tech, NPCI has been dedicated to continuous innovation, offering secure and inclusive payment solutions across India and beyond.

NPCI Incorporates New Wholly-owned Subsidiary NPCI BHIM Services

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently incorporated NPCI BHIM Services Ltd (NBSL) as a wholly-owned subsidiary. This move aims to address the growing demand for digital transactions and evolving market expectations. It also seeks to promote financial inclusion and strengthen India's digital payment ecosystem.

NPCI BHIM Services Ltd (NBSL) will focus on enhancing and expanding the services related to the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app. Here are some key services they are expected to provide:

1. Digital Payment Solutions: Enhancing the BHIM app to offer more seamless and secure digital payment options.

2. Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Developing solutions to bring more people into the digital payment ecosystem, especially in rural and underserved areas.

3. Innovative Payment Services: Introducing new features and services to keep up with evolving market demands and customer preferences.

4. Customer Support and Education: Providing robust customer support and educational resources to help users understand and utilize digital payment services effectively.

This development underscores NPCI's commitment to facilitating digital payments and financial inclusivity across the country. The new subsidiary will focus on innovation and adapting to rapidly shifting customer preferences.

Besides, NPCI has two more subsidiaries to enhance and diversify its digital payment services including NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL).

UPI Goes Live at Galeries Lafayette’s Flagship Store in Paris

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in partnership with Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity payments, is delighted to enable the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Haussmann, Paris. Known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-class shopping, Paris is a favourite destination among Indian tourists. This new integration allows them to make secure and convenient UPI transactions at this historic luxury department store, enhancing their overall Parisian experience.

Following the successful implementation of UPI for online ticket booking at the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette becomes the second major French merchant to enable UPI under the NIPL- Lyra partnership. The official announcement was made in Paris in the presence of His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, along with distinguished guests including Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group.

NIPL, in partnership with Lyra, is delighted to enable the acceptance of UPI at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Paris.
This collaboration boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists, enhancing their overall Parisian… pic.twitter.com/SXnANI2E2H

— NPCI (@NPCI_NPCI) July 5, 2024

This partnership will benefit multitude of Indian tourists visiting Paris every year, allowing them to use UPI, their favored payment method, at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette flagship store. The integration of UPI ensures effortless shopping and seamless transactions through UPI-powered apps, enhancing the memorability of their visit to Paris. By simply scanning QR code at the store, Indian tourists can complete their payments with transparency in exchange rates.

Recalling the success of UPI launch at the Eiffel Tower in January 2024 and the meeting hosted for potential merchants with NPCI International in February 2024, Ambassador Jawed Ashraf welcomed the quick conclusion of the agreement and engagement of UPI at the world-famous Galleries Lafayette, specially ahead of the Paris Olympics. Starting July 26, 2024, Paris Olympics is expected to draw large number of Indian visitors. Ambassador hopes this will pave the way for wide acceptance of UPI in France and support its internationalization as a means of digital payments. He thanked NPCI International and Lyra for their cooperation.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International said, “Our collaboration with Galeries Lafayette in Paris not only enables UPI payments at a prestigious venue but also boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists. We are confident that UPI will continue to gain traction as a reliable and efficient payment option, further strengthening its presence in international markets.”

Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra India said, “Lyra is happy to have enable for the first time in Europe the in-store acceptance of UPI in the iconic Department stores Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris. Thanks to the collaboration with NPCI International, Galeries Lafayette and the cash register editor Lundi Matin it has been done in a very short time. One more reason for Indian tourists to come to Paris for the Olympic Games.”

Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette said, "We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian guests and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India. As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolizing our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries."

The integration of UPI at prominent French retail and tourist destinations is set to boost its popularity among European merchants. This initiative aims to broaden UPI’s market presence in France and Europe, driving further growth and adoption as a secure payment solution.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

NPCI and Network International Partner to Enable Acceptance of QR Code-based UPI Payments Across Its Merchants in the UAE

• NPCI International partners with Network International to enable UPI QR payment acceptance across its merchants in the UAE
• Partnership to strengthen existing UPI merchant acceptance network in the UAE
• Facilitate seamless and secure cross-border merchant transactions for Indians travelling to the UAE

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) in partnership with Network International (Network), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has enabled the acceptance of QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments via Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE.

This initiative ensures seamless and secure transactions for Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across Network International’s vast merchant network in the UAE. Network has over 200,000 POS terminals across 60,000+ merchants in sectors including retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets among others. UPI acceptance will be rolled out progressively, covering a wide range of establishments from retail stores and dining outlets, as well as tourist and leisure attractions including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

The number of Indian tourists travelling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected to increase to 9.8 million in 2024, with the UAE anticipating 5.29 million arrivals from India. The growth is driven by various factors including business and leisure. By enabling UPI acceptance through its POS terminals, Network will provide a QR-based safe and secure method for facilitating cross-border payments. This will allow Indian tourists and NRIs with Indian bank accounts to use UPI for payments across Network’s POS terminals in the UAE.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, said, “Our partnership with Network International will deepen UPI’s presence in the UAE. By growing UPI payment acceptance across merchants in the UAE, we are not only providing Indian travellers with a seamless and familiar payment experience, but also promoting the use of innovative digital payment solutions internationally. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to driving technological advancement and creating a more connected global payment ecosystem.”

Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, said, “We are delighted to partner with NPCI International Payments Limited to strengthen the payments ecosystem for Indians visiting or working in the UAE. By enabling customers to pay in their preferred method, we are one step closer to realising our vision to empower businesses and merchants with the latest payment technologies and strengthening the vision of a digital UAE. We are confident that this partnership will drive a robust digital payments ecosystem in the country that will increase cashless transactions.”

Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services – Middle East and North Africa at Network International, commented, “The launch of this partnership is a milestone for our extensive merchant network, which stands to benefit immensely from the new payment method. As the leading acquirer in the region, Network will leverage its 30-years’ legacy of technological innovation to enable acceptance of UPI-based payment apps to its merchants to drive global interoperability.”

About Network International

Network International is the Middle East and Africa’s largest and leading digital payments company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We operate in 50+ countries serving governments, banks, fintechs, merchants and public sector companies. We have 2,000+ employees based in our markets serving over 200 financial institutions and 120,000+ merchants.

NPCI Onboards Two Experienced Leaders Into Its Information Security Division

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced two new leadership hires in the Information Security team to further strengthen its commitment to data protection and security. It has onboarded Benjamin Ambrose as Chief Information Security Officer, and Pravin Kumar as Chief Market Information Security Officer.

With these appointments, NPCI is poised to elevate its information security practices to newer heights, further safeguarding the interests of both its stakeholders and customers.

Benjamin brings with him over two decades of rich experience across various domains of Information/Cyber security across geographies. His role at NPCI will entail ascertaining and controlling risk, developing and maintaining robust security standards, enhancing defensive and offensive security capabilities, threat intelligence and next-gen security operations.

Pravin comes with an extensive experience spanning more than 25 years in cyber security, privacy controls, and enterprise risk management. In his current role, Pravin will primarily focus on strategizing and managing infosec and privacy risk within NPCI and across ecosystem players, ensuring compliance with regulatory audits, security guidelines applicable to third parties and stakeholder engagement across organizational boundaries.

Commenting on the strategic appointments, Mr. Vishwanath Krishnamurthy, Chief Risk Officer at NPCI said, “At NPCI, we acknowledge the evolving security landscapes and the technological advancements required to keep abreast with the developments in digital payments space. Benjamin and Pravin bring a wealth of experience in technology compliance and Information Security governance. We are confident that they will play instrumental roles in enhancing NPCI's security posture and driving forward our mission to provide secure, seamless digital payment solutions for all.”

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. NPCI has created a robust payment and settlement infrastructure in the country. It has changed the way payments are made in India through a bouquet of retail payment products such as RuPay card, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) and Bharat BillPay.

NPCI is focused on bringing innovations in the retail payment systems through the use of technology and is relentlessly working to transform India into a digital economy. It is facilitating secure payment solutions with nationwide accessibility at minimal cost in furtherance of India’s aspiration to be a fully digital society.

NPCI To Deploy India’s UPI Stack in Namibia, Partners Bank of Namibia

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with the Bank of Namibia (BoN). This collaboration is aimed at developing an instant payment system in Namibia, similar to India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI). The agreement is a significant step towards enhancing Namibia's financial infrastructure and promoting inclusive economic growth.

The partnership will leverage the technology and experience gained from India's UPI to improve accessibility, affordability, and interoperability within Namibia's financial ecosystem. It's also expected to bolster real-time Person-to-Person (P2P) and Merchant payment transactions (P2M) in Namibia, a country in Southwest Africa. 

This strategic move is aligned with the Bank of Namibia's goals to modernize the financial sector, ensure a secure and efficient National Payment System, and achieve full interoperability of payment instruments by 2025. It's particularly focused on enhancing financial access for underserved populations and supporting the growth of digital Entrepreneurship.

The robust security features of the UPI platform are anticipated to instill confidence among users and stakeholders, ensuring scalability for future technological advancements and market demands. This initiative is expected to connect individuals, businesses, and government entities across Namibia, facilitating more efficient economic interactions.

Mr. Johannes !Gawaxab, Hon'ble Governor of the Bank of Namibia, said, “Our objective is to enhance accessibility and affordability for underserved populations, achieve full interoperability of payment instruments by 2025, modernize the financial sector, and ensure a secure and efficient National Payment System. This endeavour, aligned with the Bank's Strategic Plan and NPS Vision and Strategy 2025, deliberately employs a central bank-led approach to minimize infrastructure costs for financial institutions, thereby ensuring the sustainability and affordability of instant payment solutions for end users. This system aims to connect individuals, businesses, and government entities across Namibia, including the payment of social grants, enabling more efficient economic interactions and supporting the growth of digital entrepreneurship.”

Speaking on partnership, Mr. Ritesh Shukla, CEO, NPCI International said, “We are proud to join hands with Bank of Namibia to enable the deployment of UPI-like real-time payments system in Namibia for the Digital Public Good of its citizens. We are excited about this partnership, which will enable Namibian citizens to transact instantly leveraging technology and experiences from India's UPI. By enabling this technology, the country will gain sovereignty in the digital payments landscape and stand to benefit from enhanced payment interoperability and improved financial access for underserved populations. This will also ensure scalability and adaptability to embrace future technological advancements and market demands, thereby propelling economic prosperity in the region.”

Several countries are adopting India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology which include Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland (Europe), Oman, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

These partnerships reflect the growing global interest in UPI's efficient and secure payment system, which has revolutionized digital payments in India and is now finding momentum in international markets.

SBI NCMC Cardholders Can Now Recharge Cards Online Through the Bharat Bill Pay-enabled Apps

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to introduce the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) recharge as a new biller category on the Bharat BillPay platform. This collaboration aims to enhance the convenience for travelers by allowing them to recharge their NCMC cards online, thus avoiding long queues.

SBI NCMC cardholders can now recharge their cards online through the Bharat BillPay-enabled application, SBI Unipay, and other digital front-end platforms.

The process ensures a hassle-free experience for users, preventing long waits and providing an instant and secure option for topping up their wallets.

The service is already live for Noida Metro, Nagpur Metro, MMRDA Line 2A & 7, Chennai Metro, Kanpur Metro, and Parliament Canteen, with more platforms expected to go live soon.

Customers can top up their NCMC cards with amounts up to ₹10,000 using multiple payment options including prepaid, debit, and credit cards. After the online recharge, customers just need to tap their NCMC card on the terminal to update their balance.

This initiative is a step towards easing digital payments and is backed by the certainty, reliability, and safety of the Bharat BillPay platform.

The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), also known as the One Nation One Card, is an innovative initiative by the Government of India to create a seamless and interoperable payment system for public transportation across the country. Launched on March 4, 2019, the NCMC is a contactless smart card that operates on the RuPay card mechanism. 

L&T Arm Flags Off Crucial Component for India's 1st Domestically Built 700 MW Nuclear Reactor

The Heavy Engineering arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has flagged off the first Steam Generator (SG), for indigenously developed 10 X 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) Fleet Programme, 12 months ahead of contractual delivery. SG is a heat exchanger that converts water into steam by making use of the heat produced in a nuclear reactor core. These Steam Generators are the most critical components supplied to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL),

With this, L&T has surpassed its own previous benchmark in SG manufacturing, setting a new benchmark in manufacturing and contributing Honourable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" vision.

This event marks a major step forward for India's nuclear power capabilities and its commitment to clean energy.

The 10 X 700 MWe PHWR Fleet Programme is an ambitious initiative by India to significantly boost its nuclear power capacity. The programme consists of ten 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) developed within the country.

Senior officials of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd(NPCIL) and team L&T Heavy Engineering at flag-off ceremony

First Steam Generator (SG), for indigenously developed 10 X 700 MWe PHWR Fleet Programme manufactured in record time of 33 months

The steam generator, which is a critical component in nuclear reactors, was completed 12 months ahead of the contractual delivery schedule. This accomplishment not only sets a new benchmark in steam generator manufacturing but also aligns with India's COP26 commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The flag-off ceremony took place at L&T's A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, and was attended by senior officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and L&T. This development is part of India's broader mission to fast-track its nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MWe by 2032, which is more than three times the current capacity, in less than a decade.

The fleet mode of construction is expected to bring economies of scale and maximize efficiency.

The Heavy Engineering vertical of L&T has a proven track record of supplying technology-intensive equipment and systems to global customers in the refinery, oil & gas, petrochemicals, fertilisers and nuclear power sectors.

It may be recalled that L&T played a major role in the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, whose units 3 & 4 were dedicated to the Nation by Honourable Prime Minister in February this year as well as a historic milestone of core fuel loading in 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). All these are contributing to the scripting of a new chapter in India’s strides towards clean energy.

NPCI Grants Approval to Paytm's Parent to Participate in UPI as a Third-party Application Provider (TPAP)

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), on Thursday, said in a press release that it has granted approval to One97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm, to participate in UPI as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) under multi-bank model.

Four banks (Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, YES Bank) shall act as PSP (Payment System Provider) banks to OCL. YES Bank shall also be acting as merchant acquiring bank for existing and new UPI merchants for OCL.

@Paytm handle shall be redirected to YES Bank. This will enable existing users and merchants to continue to do UPI transactions and AutoPay mandates in a seamless and uninterrupted manner.

OCL has been advised to complete migration for all existing handles and mandates, wherever required, to new PSP banks at the earliest.

NPCI Joins Hands With IISc Bangalore for Joint Research on Blockchain and AI Technology

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced the signing of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, for conducting joint research on Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The association will also propel further innovation through the establishment of the “NPCI–IISc Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Deep Tech Research & Development”.

The partnership will focus on scalable blockchain platforms and multi-modal analytics over fintech data. Faculty members from five departments at IISc will work with NPCI researchers on practical challenges related to these areas.

IISc is one of the oldest and premier institutes for pioneering advanced technological research in science, engineering, design and management in India. NPCI’s collaboration with the reputed institute is aimed at solving complex technological and engineering problem statements in the areas of scalability, privacy preserving designs, neural networks, Graph AI, Large Language Models (LLM), etc.

Speaking on the path-defining association, Vishal Kanvaty, Chief Technology Officer, NPCI, "At NPCI, we continuously explore new possibilities to augment the consumer experience by leveraging emerging technologies. This latest development marks an important step towards achieving that goal, and we take immense pride in collaborating with IISc. As our nation progresses towards digital sustainability, we recognize the significant potential for research in deep technologies such as blockchain and AI to further enhance the payment landscape, and we are grateful to have the bright minds assist us in this ambitious endeavour."

Prof Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc, said, "We are delighted to partner with NPCI in the emerging areas of deep tech and fintech analytics. This partnership will not only foster cutting-edge research and the development of models and software prototypes, but also nurture professional development through workshops and training programmes. We look forward to the exciting outcomes that will emerge from this new Centre of Excellence."

“The joint research envisioned between NPCI researchers and IISc faculty members working on distributed systems, cryptography and machine learning provides a unique opportunity for translational research that can enhance the scalability and effectiveness of the billion-scale platforms managed by NPCI,” said Prof Yogesh Simmhan, Associate Professor at the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, IISc.

RBI Approves NPCI Bharat BillPay to Implement an Interoperable Payment System for Internet Banking Transactions

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd to implement an interoperable payment system for internet banking transactions. The new system will facilitate quicker settlement of funds for merchants.

Expected to be launched during the current calendar year, the new system will enable customers to pay businesses through net banking irrespective of whether their banks and the merchants’ payment aggregator are integrated.

Currently, online merchant payment transactions are processed through payment aggregators, which are not interoperable. So a bank is required to separately integrate with each payment aggregator of different online merchants.

India accounts for 46% of the world's digital transactions.

Speaking at an event "Digital Payment Awareness Week" in Mumbai, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, "Internet Banking is one of the oldest modes for online merchant payment transactions. It is a preferred channel for payments like income tax, insurance premium, mutual fund payments and e-commerce."

Governor Das said that there is no common payment system and a set of rules for digital transactions at the moment. But when it comes to digital transactions, the world is looking at India, he said.

The proposed interoperable net banking payments will act as a clearing house to settle internet banking transactions between customers and merchants. This would eliminate the need for individual tie-ups.