1, Sep 2026
ClearTax and Odoo Partner to Embed Tax Compliance and E-Invoicing Across Five GCC Markets
Dubai, UAE, Sep 1: ClearTax, a global tax compliance and e-invoicing technology company, has announced a partnership with Odoo, one of the world’s leading open-source business management platforms, to simplify tax compliance and e-invoicing for businesses across the Gulf region.
As part of the partnership, Odoo will develop a native integration with ClearTax for customers in the UAE and GCC. The integration will enable Odoo users to manage indirect tax compliance, invoicing and evolving regulatory requirements directly within their existing ERP workflows.
The partnership comes as governments across the region accelerate the digitisation of tax administration and introduce new e-invoicing frameworks. This is creating a growing need, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, for technology that can reduce manual processes, improve accuracy and keep pace with changing regulations.
Through the native connector, Odoo customers will be able to access ClearTax’s compliance capabilities through a simplified, self-service onboarding journey. By embedding compliance into software businesses already use, the integration is expected to reduce the time, effort and operational complexity involved in implementing compliant tax and invoicing processes.
The partnership is expected to initially benefit an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 businesses using Odoo across the UAE and Oman, while also extending access to Odoo customers across the wider GCC. ClearTax and Odoo plan to explore opportunities to expand the partnership into additional international markets over time.
“Businesses do not want tax compliance to operate as a separate and disconnected process. They expect it to be built into the systems they already use to manage their operations,” said Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO, ClearTax. “Our partnership with Odoo responds directly to that need. By bringing ClearTax’s compliance infrastructure into the Odoo ecosystem, we are making it easier for businesses across the region to manage regulatory change while remaining focused on growth.”
Pavitra Singh, Managing Director at Odoo Middle East, said, “The partnership between Odoo and ClearTax will allow Odoo customers to seamlessly stay compliant with the ever-evolving e-invoicing landscape across the region. At Odoo, our priority has always been to provide fully localized solutions that meet the needs of each market we operate in, and our partnership with ClearTax is a step in that direction.”
Odoo has established a strong presence among small and medium-sized businesses through its integrated suite of applications covering accounting, finance, sales, inventory, manufacturing, human resources, customer relationship management and e-commerce.
ClearTax supports more than 5,000 enterprises globally and processes over one billion e-invoices annually. Its tax compliance and e-invoicing platform enables businesses to integrate regulatory compliance into existing ERP and finance systems through automation, intelligent workflows and API-led integrations.
By combining Odoo’s business management platform with ClearTax’s compliance technology and regional expertise, the partnership aims to make tax compliance a more seamless part of everyday business operations for companies across the Gulf.
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- By Neel Achary
1, Sep 2026
India Gen Z Outlook 2026: The No Cap Generation – Rethinking Education, Ambition and Success
Mumbai, Sep 01: Emeritus, the global education company has unveiled new primary research titled ‘India’s GenZ Outlook 2026: Recalculating education, ambition, and success; The No Cap Generation’.
The findings are based on 1,010 respondents aged 15-28, spanning three life stages: (a) pre-college, (b) transitioning, and (c ) early career – across major Indian metros. The report examines how young Indians are reassessing traditional pathways in higher education, skills, and careers amid visa uncertainty, rising overseas costs, and the rise of AI.
The traditional study-abroad pathway is losing ground – 48% of those who would consider studying abroad say their interest has declined over the past year, driven by cost, visa requirements, and uncertain post-study work regimes. The United States is bearing the sharpest decline. At the same time, a new consideration set is emerging.
87% of pre-college and 92% of transitioning respondents would be likely or extremely likely to study a programme offered by an internationally ranked university in India. 69% of transitioning students would actively prefer an India-based international programme over going abroad to avoid visa uncertainty.
On-campus remains the anchor but the pathway model, combining India-based study with partial home-campus exposure / semester exchange, is the fastest-growing preference. Interest jumps 12 points between pre-college (27%) and transitioning students (39%) – the closer students get to real enrolment decisions, the more compelling the model becomes.
“It took 30 years to build a predictable outward migration path. The reversal is happening much faster. Policies are moving, universities are arriving, families are taking note – and brain drain is turning,’’ said Ashwin Damera, Co-founder & CEO, Emeritus.
Beyond formal education, the data reveals how this generation is navigating skills and career choices:
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82% use AI or GenAI tools at least weekly to learn or build new skills
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65% of early career respondents feel a degree alone is no longer sufficient to succeed in the job market
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74% prioritise work-life balance over formal leadership titles – and 65% agree a successful career does not require becoming an executive leader
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60% feel burned out by the pressure to continuously upskill – yet 75% still believe learning the right skills will keep them competitive
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79% want their career to contribute positively to the environment, signalling that purpose is becoming as important as pay
Commenting further on the report, he added,
“As we deepen our presence in India, this report becomes a stepping-stone in that journey. We went ahead with the idea of understanding the pulse of a generation that is outcome-oriented, globally aware, and navigating world uncertainties in real time. The findings carry nuances that we believe will help institutions, employers, and policymakers design stronger, more relevant frameworks for the generation that is shaping India’s future.’’
This report is part of Emeritus’s ongoing research initiative tracking the evolving talent landscape across education, skills, and career decision-making globally. With this edition, the brand doubles down on understanding India’s talent pulse – with the next edition set to focus on parent perspectives on education choices in India.
1, Sep 2026
Argentinian President Javier Milei and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem open FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires
During their meeting, the two Presidents discussed the future of mobility and motorsport in Argentina and across the Americas
Dubai, UAE, Sept 01: The President of Argentina, Javier Milei, and FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem have officially opened the 2026 FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires, bringing together FIA Member Clubs from across the Americas to advance the future of mobility and motor sport.
President Milei joined President Ben Sulayem and representatives from 32 FIA Member Clubs from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean at the opening of the three-day Congress, hosted by the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA).
Ahead of the opening yesterday (Monday), President Ben Sulayem met with President Milei, with discussions focused on the opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the FIA and Argentina across both mobility and motorsport.
The two Presidents discussed Argentina’s ambitions for the continued growth of motorsport, including Formula One and the FIA’s five other World Championships, building on a proud racing heritage and passionate fanbase.
They also discussed the rapidly changing mobility landscape and the importance of collaboration between governments, FIA Member Clubs and industry to deliver safer, more accessible and more sustainable transport for road users.
The meeting continued a series of high-level engagements by the FIA President across South America, following meetings with President José Antonio Kast of Chile and President Santiago Peña of Paraguay in recent days, as the Federation works with governments and its Member Clubs to grow motorsport and strengthen mobility across the region.
Opening the Congress, the President of Argentina Javier Milei said: “The Argentine Automobile Club has made an enormous contribution to national motorsport, and Argentina is a country that loves cars. The Argentine passion for racing is timeless.
“That is why I invite you to dream with me. Argentina has all the conditions necessary to once again welcome Formula One and the World Rally Championship onto its calendar. We have the tradition. We have the drivers. And now we are once again developing the institutional seriousness that these categories demand before choosing a country. We have absolutely everything.
“It is time to accelerate at full speed in this direction, and I invite you to make this [FIA American] Congress the first step towards that return. Because at the end of the day, the freedom to move, to choose the car you drive, the route you take and the destination you want to reach is one of the most concrete and everyday expressions of freedom.
“Today, we welcome you with those same roads, more open than ever, and with the same conviction that anyone who wants to move, compete or build in Argentina should be able to do so in freedom. Let us move forward together at full speed to turn this dream into reality.”
FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “It was an honour to meet with President Milei and to open the FIA American Congress together here in Buenos Aires. Argentina has an extraordinary history in motor sport and a passionate community of fans, competitors and volunteers.
“We discussed how we can build on that heritage, create new opportunities for the next generation and support Argentina’s ambition to bring more international motor sport to the country.
“Across mobility too, this is a region undergoing significant change. Our Member Clubs are at the heart of that transformation, and this Congress is about bringing their knowledge together, sharing solutions and ensuring the FIA continues to deliver for road users and motor sport communities across the Americas.”
The Congress is being hosted by the Automóvil Club Argentino, one of the FIA’s long-standing Member Clubs with over 122 years of operations in the country, playing a central role in the development of both mobility and motor sport across Argentina.
The three-day FIA American Congress is providing a platform for FIA Member Clubs to share expertise and develop solutions around some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing motorsport and mobility across the region.
Argentina provides a fitting backdrop. Motorsport is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, from five-time FIA Formula One World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio to current Formula One driver Franco Colapinto and the country’s thriving national competition scene across touring cars, rallying, karting and single-seaters.
Alongside its sporting heritage, Argentina is one of Latin America’s most significant mobility markets, with more than 15 million vehicles, an extensive road network and a major domestic automotive industry.
1, Sep 2026
Odisha plans climate-resilient shield for 573-km coastline under ARISE Project
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1 (UDN): The Odisha government is preparing a long-term strategy to safeguard its 573-km coastline from coastal erosion, climate change and natural disasters through the proposed Adaptive Resilience Investment in Coastal Systems on Economics (ARISE) Project.
The initiative aims to combine scientific coastal protection measures with environmental conservation, livelihood security and sustainable economic development for vulnerable coastal communities.
Phased implementation after final assessment
A high-level review meeting on the project was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who emphasised the need for an integrated approach that balances ecological protection with economic growth.
A preliminary assessment of Odisha’s coastline has been conducted jointly by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). The study examined coastal erosion, sediment movement, vulnerable villages and the safety and livelihoods of communities living along the coast.
Based on consultations with multiple government departments, ADB and OSDMA have prepared a preliminary report, which was reviewed during the meeting. Officials said the project will be implemented in phases after the final assessment is completed.
Science-driven solutions for coastal protection
The proposed interventions will focus on technology-backed measures to reduce coastal erosion, strengthen natural coastal defences and protect vulnerable stretches of the shoreline.
Effective sediment management, aligned with the coastline’s natural processes, will form a key component of the project to ensure long-term resilience.
Focus on blue economy and disaster preparedness
Beyond shoreline protection, the ARISE Project seeks to promote Odisha’s blue economy by encouraging climate-resilient coastal tourism while safeguarding biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Officials also discussed strengthening institutions, building local capacity and deploying modern technology, including real-time data systems and digital monitoring platforms, to improve erosion tracking, hazard forecasting and disaster preparedness.
The initiative comes as Odisha continues to face increasing climate-related challenges along its coastline, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive and sustainable coastal resilience framework.
1, Sep 2026
Apple Enters New Era as John Ternus Succeeds Tim Cook as CEO
New Delhi, Sep 1: Apple has begun a new chapter in its leadership with John Ternus taking over as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tim Cook after more than a decade at the helm of the technology company.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Ternus assumed the position on September 1, bringing an end to Cook’s tenure as CEO, which began in August 2011 after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs stepped down.
Cook has moved into the newly created position of Executive Chairman. In this role, he will focus on engagement with policymakers around the world and continue to support the company on selected strategic matters. Ternus has also joined Apple’s board of directors.
Ternus brings extensive experience in Apple’s product development and engineering operations. He joined the company in 2001 as part of its product design team and was appointed senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021.
Over the years, Ternus has played a role in the development of several of Apple’s key products, including the iPhone, iPad, AirPods and Mac. His hardware engineering team has also contributed to the company’s latest product launches.
The leadership transition comes after a period of significant expansion for Apple. During Cook’s tenure, the company’s market value increased substantially, rising from around $350 billion in 2011 to approximately $4 trillion.
Apple’s annual revenue has also expanded from about $108 billion when Cook became CEO to more than $400 billion. The company’s services division has emerged as another major growth engine, generating more than $100 billion annually through businesses such as the App Store, Apple Music and Apple Pay.
Ternus takes over at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the technology industry. The growing competition in AI presents one of the biggest strategic challenges for Apple as it seeks to keep pace with rivals while protecting its position in premium consumer technology.
A key priority for the new CEO will be strengthening Apple’s AI capabilities while maintaining the ecosystem that connects its hardware, software and services.
Ternus will also be expected to guide the company through its next phase of product innovation, manage intensifying competition and identify new opportunities for growth.
His background in hardware engineering gives him deep experience with Apple’s product development process. The challenge now will be to combine that expertise with a broader technology strategy as AI, cloud services and connected devices increasingly shape the global technology market.
The change in leadership marks the end of one of Apple’s longest CEO tenures and the beginning of a new phase under Ternus, with investors and consumers watching closely for how the company evolves its products, services and AI strategy.
1, Sep 2026
Gopalpur Industrial Park builds INR 65,400 crore investment pipeline, strengthens Odisha’s green manufacturing ambitions
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1 (UDN): Odisha’s Gopalpur Industrial Park (GIP) in Ganjam district is rapidly emerging as one of India’s key destinations for green energy and advanced manufacturing, with a planned investment pipeline exceeding ₹65,400 crore.
Representational Image
Developed by Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Ltd (TSSEZL), the nearly 2,970-acre industrial park has attracted a diverse mix of projects spanning green hydrogen, green ammonia, renewable energy equipment, speciality chemicals, tyre manufacturing, mineral processing and food processing.
Green ammonia project marks latest milestone
The newest addition to GIP’s growing portfolio is a proposed 0.4 million tonne per annum (MTPA) green ammonia plant, backed by a memorandum of cooperation involving the Odisha government, Japan’s IHI Corporation, ACME Group, and TSSEZL.
The project also proposes a jetty-less floating terminal, aimed at supporting the export-oriented green ammonia ecosystem from Gopalpur.
Renewable energy manufacturing gains momentum
In another major development, TSSEZL and Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd have signed a binding land transfer agreement for a proposed ₹10,000 crore manufacturing facility that will produce solar ingots and wafers, strengthening the park’s renewable energy value chain.
TSSEZL Managing Director Manikanta Naik said the vision of transforming Gopalpur into a globally competitive industrial hub is steadily becoming a reality, supported by the state’s investments in power and water infrastructure.
A growing industrial ecosystem
Several companies have either operational facilities or announced investments at GIP, including:
Avaada GreenH2
Ocior Energy
Hygenco
Saatvik Solar Industries
World Green Energy
SRF
ATC Tires
Tata Steel
The industrial park offers ready-to-use infrastructure, including internal road networks, power and water supply, drainage systems, environmental clearances and multimodal connectivity, making it an attractive destination for large-scale manufacturing projects.
Recognition and economic impact
GIP recently received the Smart Industrial Park Award at the Smart Logistics Summit & Awards 2026 held in Bhubaneswar, recognising its infrastructure and industrial ecosystem.
With investments continuing to flow into the park, Gopalpur is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment while reinforcing Odisha’s position as a leading hub for low-carbon manufacturing and clean energy industries.
1, Sep 2026
UPI Sets New Monthly Record as Digital Payments Touch 24.51 Billion in August
New Delhi, Sep 1: India’s digital payments landscape continued to expand at a rapid pace in August, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recording a new monthly high of 24.51 billion transactions worth Rs 29.82 lakh crore.
Data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) showed that UPI transaction volumes increased 3.6 per cent from 23.66 billion in July. On a year-on-year basis, transaction volumes rose 22 per cent, highlighting the growing dependence of consumers and businesses on instant digital payments.
The value of transactions, however, remained broadly stable on a monthly basis. UPI processed transactions worth Rs 29.88 lakh crore in July, compared with Rs 29.82 lakh crore in August, marking a marginal decline of around 0.2 per cent. On a year-on-year basis, transaction value increased 20 per cent.
On an average day, UPI processed nearly 791 million transactions during August, while the average daily transaction value stood at around Rs 96,205 crore.
The latest performance underlines how deeply digital payments have become embedded in everyday economic activity. From neighbourhood shops and food outlets to online purchases, utility payments and money transfers, UPI has increasingly become a preferred payment option because of its speed and convenience.
The sharp rise in transaction volumes, despite the marginal decline in overall value from July, also points to the continued popularity of smaller-ticket digital payments. The government has noted that a large share of UPI merchant transactions consists of payments below Rs 500, reflecting its widespread use for routine purchases.
UPI’s growth has been particularly striking over the past decade. The platform has evolved from a relatively new digital payment system into a core part of India’s financial infrastructure, with annual transaction volumes rising dramatically since its launch.
The August milestone comes after UPI crossed the 23-billion monthly transaction mark earlier this year. Its latest performance further reinforces the platform’s position at the centre of India’s shift towards a real-time, mobile-first payments ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) recorded 360 million transactions in August, with the transaction value rising 18 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7.04 lakh crore, according to NPCI data.
UPI is also steadily expanding its international footprint, with the payment system now available for merchant payments in multiple countries. The expansion is enabling Indian travellers to use familiar UPI-enabled applications for digital payments overseas while strengthening India’s presence in the global real-time payments ecosystem.
With transaction volumes continuing to set new records, the August numbers highlight the increasing role of digital payments in India’s consumer economy and the growing preference for fast, convenient and interoperable payment methods.
1, Sep 2026
HiLITE Group Hands Over Olympus Tower 1, Reshaping Modern Urban Living and a Sense of Community at HiLITE City, Calicut
Kozhikode, Sept 01: HiLITE Group has handed over Olympus 1, the first tower of HiLITE Olympus, an ultra-modern residential development that brings together luxury, expansive amenities and nature at HiLITE City, Kozhikode. Set across 7.07 acres, Olympus features more than 100 amenities and India’s largest terrace recreation space, spanning over 40,000 sq ft, alongside 526 apartments across 33 floors. With a built-up area of 12,70,039 sq ft and apartments ranging from 919 sq ft to 3,150 sq ft, Olympus is designed to offer a distinctive, future-ready living experience. Sustainability and urban forestry are woven into the development, creating a balance between modern comforts and green spaces. The second tower, Olympus 2, comprises 412 apartments across 32 floors and is currently under construction.
Unlike conventional designs where multiple towers accommodate numerous apartments, all 938 apartments across the project are designed within just two towers. Each tower features a single straight passage connecting the apartments, a distinctive architectural choice that enhances connectivity and togetherness among residents. Beyond its architectural brilliance, Olympus is built on the idea of community living.
The concept of community living within a luxurious space was a vision deeply rooted in the mind of P. Sulaiman, the driving force behind HiLITE. “When someone chooses to settle in their homeland, they should not only experience global standards of luxury but also be part of a vibrant, secure, and engaging community,” said P. Sulaiman, Chairman, HiLITE Group. His vision was brought to life through the meticulous design crafted by Stapati Architects, ensuring that Olympus stands as a benchmark in modern living.
This sense of community is further strengthened by 100+ unparalleled amenities spread across what is among India’s largest recreation terraces. From expansive social spaces to world-class recreational facilities, every detail has been thoughtfully planned to create a living experience like no other.
Olympus 1‘s handover comes close on the heels of two other significant project completions by HiLITE Group, HiLITE Cypress and HiLITE Patras, emphasizing the Group‘s consistent momentum in delivering premium residential spaces across Calicut. The Group has already inaugurated HiLITE Countryside project at Chemmad, an innovative retail concept introduced by the Group, for smaller towns and emerging Tier 3 markets. It functions as a compact extension of the Group’s flagship HiLITE Mall format, tailored to deliver high-quality retail, dining, and entertainment experiences closer to rapidly developing locales.
“Bringing a project of this scale and ambition to Calicut has been both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are truly proud to see it take shape as one of the finest residential innovations in the region,” said Ajil Mohammed, CEO of HiLITE Group.
With 22 apartments on a single floor, HiLITE Olympus sets several records straight. Apart from the enormous terrace, the Plaza on the 4th Basement, sprawling across 20,000+ sq ft, provides further space for various amenities. Residents of HiLITE Olympus need not look elsewhere for entertainment and relaxation, they only need to step onto the recreational floor.
“This project is the culmination of meticulous planning and architectural innovation to redefine what urban living truly means. Every detail, from its architecture to its amenities, has been thoughtfully designed to give our residents an unmatched quality of life,” said Mohamed Fazeem, CEO – HiLITE Builders.
Located within HiLITE City, one of India’s largest mixed-use developments, HiLITE Olympus offers residents a host of added advantages, all within reach at HiLITE City. This includes the HiLITE Mall and HiLITE Business Park, along with everyday conveniences such as Hug a Mug, a 24×7 coffee shop, and Palaxi Cinemas, an 8-screen world-class theatre. Residents can also unwind at Compass, a dedicated center for rejuvenation, or spend time at Club 6T6. Adding to the everyday convenience is a 65,000 sq. ft. hypermarket within HiLITE Mall, while HiLITE City is home to over 2,000 apartments.
31, Aug 2026
Happy Cultures Adds a Dubai Kunafa Twist to the Protein Category with Its Latest Launch
Aug, 31: Indian health and wellness company Happy Cultures has launched Dubai Kunafa Yeast Protein, bringing the popular Dubai Kunafa flavour profile to the growing protein category. Priced at an MRP of INR 2,199, the new product combines Happy Cultures’ yeast protein with real pistachios, offering a more indulgent take on everyday protein consumption.
Each serving delivers 24g of complete yeast protein with a PDCAAS score of 1, indicating a high-quality protein source with a complete amino acid profile. Made with 100% yeast protein isolate, the formulation contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, is naturally sweetened with monk fruit, and is free from lactose, dairy, gluten and soy. The addition of probiotics further supports its positioning as a convenient, gut-friendly protein option for consumers seeking a balance of nutrition, taste and indulgence.
The launch comes as protein consumption in India moves beyond traditional fitness audiences, with consumers increasingly looking for products that combine nutritional value with taste, convenience and variety. According to IMARC group, the protein supplement market in India is anticipated to reach Rs. 13,186 crore (US$ 1.52 billion) by 2033.
The product has also undergone independent testing by Eurofins Analytical Services India, with each batch evaluated across key parameters including nutritional composition, amino acid profile, melamine and heavy metal contaminants. It is available through Happy Cultures’ website, Swiggy, Zepto, Big Basket, Amazon and Flipkart.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Amit Monteiro, CEO, Happy Cultures, said,
“Protein is becoming a crowded category, and we believe the next phase of innovation will be about making the experience more exciting for consumers. Dubai Kunafa is a flavour people already recognise and enjoy, so bringing it into yeast protein felt like a natural way to make the category more interesting.”
“We want consumers to look at yeast protein differently,” added Monteiro. “Innovation in protein does not have to stop at the usual vanilla, chocolate or coffee flavours. There is an opportunity to build products around flavours that are culturally relevant, familiar and genuinely enjoyable.”
A key differentiator of the product is the inclusion of real pistachios, which Happy Cultures says is intended to bring greater authenticity to the Dubai Kunafa-inspired flavour rather than relying only on flavouring. The product is positioned within the company’s premium protein portfolio, with flavour innovation forming an important part of its approach to product development.
The launch also reflects the growing influence of social media-led food trends on mainstream consumption. Dubai chocolate and Kunafa-inspired flavours have gained significant consumer interest, creating opportunities for food and wellness brands to translate emerging preferences into new product formats.
For Happy Cultures, yeast protein is a growing part of its broader protein innovation strategy. The company sees an opportunity to move the category beyond conventional flavours and create products that appeal to consumers through a combination of nutrition, taste, ingredients and experience.
The Dubai Kunafa Yeast Protein joins Happy Cultures’ broader portfolio spanning proteins, nutritional supplements and Gut First Solutions, as the company continues to develop products around emerging consumer preferences and evolving wellness needs.
31, Aug 2026
No Smartphone, No Internet: PhonePe Takes UPI to India’s Feature Phone Users
New Delhi, Aug 31: Digital payments are moving beyond the smartphone era as PhonePe has introduced UPI 123Pay for feature phones, allowing users to make UPI transactions without requiring mobile internet.
The service is aimed at expanding access to digital payments among India’s large feature-phone user base, particularly people in rural and semi-urban areas where smartphone ownership or reliable internet connectivity may still be limited. PhonePe estimates that the service can reach more than 200 million feature-phone users across the country.
The new platform uses an SMS-based technology architecture, allowing transactions to work even in areas with limited 2G connectivity. Users can transfer money, make payments to merchants and check basic account information without depending on mobile data.
Feature phones equipped with cameras will also support QR-code payments, giving users another convenient option for completing transactions at participating merchants. The service can additionally provide access to account balances and transaction history.
PhonePe has partnered with handset makers including Nokia, HMD, Lava International and Itel Mobile to make the service available on selected feature phones. The company is expected to expand the network of supported devices over time.
To make the platform easier for first-time digital-payment users, PhonePe has also introduced a voice-first, AI-powered support service offering step-by-step assistance in English and 12 Indian languages.
The initiative could have a wider impact on India’s financial inclusion drive by reducing the dependence on smartphones and high-speed internet for everyday payments. It could particularly benefit consumers, small traders and merchants in areas where connectivity remains a challenge.
For the broader digital economy, extending UPI access to feature phones could bring more consumers into formal digital transactions and provide small businesses with additional ways to receive payments.
The move also reflects the continuing evolution of India’s digital-payment ecosystem, where technology is increasingly being adapted to serve users across different devices and connectivity levels.
By taking UPI beyond smartphones, PhonePe’s latest initiative could help narrow the digital divide and bring millions of under-connected users closer to India’s expanding cashless economy.
