PhonePe collaborates with LankaPay to promote UPI payment acceptance in Sri Lanka

Bengaluru 17th May, 2024: PhonePe, today announced that it has enabled UPI payment acceptance in collaboration with LankaPay across LankaQR merchant points at a grand event held in Colombo. The event was graced by His Excellency Shri Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, who highlighted the key role played by fintech connectivity in the overall connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Addressing the gathering Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), acknowledged the collaboration’s capacity to unlock new opportunities and enhance competitiveness and the benefits that it would bring to Sri Lankan merchants.

Channa de Silva, CEO, LankaPay also addressed the audience and moderated an insightful panel discussion on ‘The Future of Digital Payments in Sri Lanka: Opportunities for Sri Lankan Businesses,’ which focused on the possibilities and growth avenues for local businesses. The session featured Mrs. Shashi Kandambi, GM/CEO, National Savings Bank; Mr. Sanjay Wijemanne, COO, Hatton National Bank PLC; Mr. Conrad Dias, Chairman, LOLC Finance PLC; and Ms. Renuka Fernando, Chairperson, Dialog Finance PLC who discussed how businesses can leverage digital payment technologies and tap into a wider market to stay competitive in an evolving economic landscape.

Following the panel discussion, Ritesh Pai, the CEO of International Payments at PhonePe, unveiled insights on leveraging UPI for global markets and the growth prospects it offers for merchants.

The event also saw the presence of several key stakeholders from the Sri Lankan financial landscape, including senior representatives from Banking sectors, Payment System Providers, and representatives from the tourism sector and business associations. This alliance is facilitated through LankaPay’s partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).

During the event, PhonePe announced that its app users traveling to Sri Lanka can now make payments using UPI across LankaPayQR merchants nationwide. Users can simply scan LankaQR code to make secure and quick payments without carrying cash or calculating currency conversions. Their account will be debited in INR, showing the currency exchange rate. These transactions are facilitated by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and LankaPay National Payment Network.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, shared that, “The UPI launch is an important part of a larger goal for both countries to collaborate through a digital partnership.” He mentioned that “India is also supporting Sri Lanka in the development of its Unique Digital Identity Program and other components of the Digital Stack that has immense transformative potential for Sri Lanka and the bilateral economic partnership.”

Ritesh Pai, CEO, International Payments, PhonePe, added, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with LankaPay. This collaboration offers unparalleled convenience to Indian tourists who can now use a familiar and secure payment method while traveling and pay across LankaQR merchant points. PhonePe has always been at the forefront of driving innovation in payments. We are incredibly proud to be driving UPI adaptation across India, and our expansion to Sri Lanka is another exciting step forward.”

Channa de Silva, CEO, LankaPay, added, “LankaPay is delighted to collaborate with PhonePe to revolutionize the cross-border payments between Sri Lanka and India. This partnership is bound to provide greater convenience to Indian Tourists and Business Travelers in making seamless UPI payments at all LankaQR merchant points in Sri Lanka via PhonePe app. We are excited about the potential of this collaboration that would enhance payment experience to Indian tourists and business travellers during their stay in Sri Lanka and also provide the merchants with a cost-effective proposition to card payments. I envisage that innovation to be the cornerstone of this alliance and would lead to further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.”

Deesawala Rubber Industries Embarks on Major Expansion

Hyderabad: 17th May 2024 DEESAWALA RUBBER INDUSTRIES, a leading manufacturer of premium quality rubber products such as rubber sealing rings, rubber gaskets, and other rubber products, announced a significant expansion as part of its strategic growth trajectory. The company is setting up its 4th manufacturing unit, spanning 40,000 square feet, at Kallakal, near Medchal in Hyderabad. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and a lab testing facility, which will enhance production capacity from about 7-8 tonnes per day to 25 tonnes per day. Additionally, the company has acquired an adjacent unit, scheduled to be operational by 2025.

Established in 1996 by Mr. Huned and Mr. Shabber Deesawala, Deesawala Rubber Industries has always aimed to deliver technically innovative, customized rubber solutions for global infrastructure. The company provides elastomeric bearing pads for road and bridge projects, rubber speed breakers for real estate, pipe gaskets for ductile iron, UPVC, and concrete pipe manufacturers, rubber extrusion profiles for automobile, aviation, and industrial use, expansion joints for infrastructure applications, rail pads for railway track projects, and silicon products for the pharmaceutical industry. The company had 3 manufacturing units at Bala Nagar, Hyderabad, catering to the present requirements.

Mr. Huned Deesawala, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Deesawala Rubber Industries, commented, “As India is embarking on a journey towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, there is an increased impetus on rail, road, aviation, and other infrastructure projects. Deesawala Rubber manufactures products essential in each of these infrastructure projects, and the mega boost in infra-development provides us with an excellent opportunity to grow. Moreover, the Government of India has embarked on the mission ‘Har Ghar Nal,’ which will require the laying of a massive network of water pipelines across the country. Our gaskets that are used as pipe seals are crucial for the successful execution of this project. The present expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to providing products of international standards, while customizing and catering to the evolving needs of our customers.”

Adding to this, Mr. Murtaza Deesawala, Executive Director of Deesawala Rubber Industries, added, “We are excited about the present expansion of our capacity and have a very healthy order book to ensure 100% capacity utilization by the end of this year. In keeping with the burgeoning demand for our product line, we have also identified an adjacent unit (5th) with an area of around 40,000 square feet. This unit should be operational by the year 2025. We have also setup our offices in Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai to expand market presence. Our products are certified and approved by esteemed organizations such as BIS, WRAS and RDSO, giving us an opportunity to expand our footprints in Europe and the Middle East. Very soon, we will be setting up our office in Dubai to expand our global presence.”

The company’s product portfolio encompasses a diverse range of rubber solutions, including push gaskets for pipes, elastomeric bearing pads for bridges and metro rail projects, PVC water stoppers, swellable bars for waterproofing and infra industry, expansion joint filler boards, rubber speed breakers, and pillar guards for the construction industry. In addition to the existing offerings, Deesawala Rubber Industries is committed to continuous innovation. New product developments are on the horizon, including rubber sheet manufacturing, PVC water stoppers, rubber profiles, and adhesives tailored for the woodwork and construction industries.

Coforge in partnership with Fiorano introduces ISO 20022 Compliance as a Service (ICaaS)

Greater Noida, India, 17th May 2024 – Coforge Limited (NSE: COFORGE), a global digital services and solutions provider announced a strategic partnership with Fiorano to introduce ISO 20022 Compliance as a Service (ICaaS). As of March 2023, ISO 20022 has been live on the SWIFT cross-border payments network. Multiple domestic market infrastructures are also making substantial progress toward the complete adoption of this new payment message standard by the end of 2025. The migration is not just a step towards enhanced efficiency but a foundational pillar in the burgeoning world of digital currencies. However, migrating to ISO 20022’s unique requirements can be complex. The ICaaS offering from Coforge & Fiorano is a comprehensive solution designed to streamline the migration process to ISO 20022 compliance, providing those organizations impacted, with a seamless and cost-effective transition.

The comprehensive, end-to-end ISO 20022 Compliance as a Service (ICaaS) solution covers crucial elements including ISO 20022 Process Consulting, Translation, Structured Data, Data Truncation Management, and Quality Assurance, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective transition for financial institutions at any stage of their migration journey. The services offered by ICaaS include specialized SWIFT-focused consulting, advanced migration tools, ISO 20022 data products, and robust end-to-end testing services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each institution.

Gautam Samanta, President and Global Leader, Banking and Financial Services, Coforge, said, “We believe the implications of ISO 20022 go beyond mere cross-border and high-value payments; it permeates critical financial domains, influencing Securities and Trade Finance. The ICaaS solution developed by Coforge and Fiorano is not just a service; it’s a commitment to empowering financial institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary for informed decision-making in the realm of structured payments.”

Biju Suresh Babu, Managing Director Banking & Financial Services, Fiorano, said “ICaaS stands as a distinctive solution poised to expedite the adoption of ISO 20022 in the financial ecosystem by bringing together tools, infrastructure, and expertise into a single, easily accessible platform. Leveraging Coforge’s extensive experience with central and commercial banks, coupled with Fiorano’s expertise in cloud-native integration, payments orchestration and ISO 20022 data, our primary focus is to guide financial institutions through a seamless transition, minimizing disruptions to their systems.”

ICaaS is being made available at a point when global central banks and regulators are increasingly seeking the use of structured data (including structured postal addresses) to align with standardization and payment harmonization efforts, including the G20 cross-border payments roadmap.

Edward Davies, Senior Vice President, Coforge said, “While ISO 20022 brings a lot of value in terms of enhanced data quality, efficiency and overall customer experience, the regulatory compliance deadline of 2025 & 2026 will force a lot of banks to go for quick-fix measures. At the start of 2023, we committed to our banking customers and have invested a lot in coming out with a packaged solution to fast-track this journey in a much more economical and robust manner. Fiorano’s ISO 20022 SWIFT-certified accelerator sits at the heart of it. We are thrilled with this partnership and much look forward to supporting our joint customers across the globe.”

Coforge in partnership with Fiorano has adopted a transformative approach to scale and expand. To reduce the overall complexity, Coforge has developed a comprehensive ISO 20022 testing scenario repository improving efficiency up to 50%, and reducing the time taken to scale capabilities across markets and channels.

Chipmunk Launches on Nykaa: A Milestone Achievement for India’s Gentle Makeup Brand

India, 17 May 2024: Chipmunk, India’s pioneering makeup brand that seamlessly blends beauty and skincare, proudly announces its debut on Nykaa, India’s leading beauty retailer. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Chipmunk, furthering its mission to revolutionize the beauty industry with gentle high-performing formulations.

Founded by Reema Dube Yerawar, a visionary Cosmetic Technologist, Chipmunk has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to prioritizing skin health without compromising on the joy of makeup. With a background in cosmetic technology and years of industry experience, Reema recognized the need for gentle and preventive makeup products in the market. Her journey led to the creation of Chipmunk, a brand that challenges industry norms and champions science-backed innovation.

“I am thrilled to bring Chipmunk’s gentle makeup products to Nykaa’s vast audience,” says Reema Dube Yerawar. “Our vision has always been to prioritize the health of our consumers’ skin while offering them the joy of makeup. This collaboration with Nykaa allows us to reach a wider audience and empower individuals to express themselves flawlessly.”

Co-Founder Akhil Yerawar, a strategic business leader with a background in management consulting shares Reema’s enthusiasm for this milestone. “Launching on Nykaa is a testament to Chipmunk’s commitment to innovation and growth,” says Akhil. “We believe in providing affordable luxury with science-backed, clean formulations, and we are excited to partner with Nykaa to make our products accessible to beauty enthusiasts across the country.”

Chipmunk’s range of bold and vivacious makeup products are formulated without harmful ingredients like talc, alcohol, paraffin, phthalates, and mineral oil. The brand holds certifications such as PETA certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free, FDA-approved, dermatologically tested, and clinically proven to be safe for daily use.

As Chipmunk continues to redefine beauty standards and reshape the relationship between makeup and skin health, the brand invites individuals to join in its mission of providing clean, skin-loving, gender-inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products.

Indian Heritage Takes Centre Stage As Ankush Bahuguna Shines At Cannes In a Karan Torani Ensemble

I7th May 2024: One of the most popular, versatile, and widely loved content creators, who effortlessly experiments between comedy and beauty, Ankush Bahuguna, floored the audience with his first look for his debut at the 77th Cannes Festival. Representing India at the esteemed film festival, Ankush chose to pay homage to the Indian Heritage textile on foreign soil through the language he speaks fluently- fashion.

Bahuguna was seen in an ensemble by celebrated Indian designer and founder of Torani Tribe, Karan Torani, styled by the ace celebrity stylist Akshay Tyagi. The ensemble exudes a young heritage vibe, and consists of an embroidered scarf with floral imprints. This was paired with a leopard-printed cape-cum-overcoat over a well-coordinated purple tunic and trousers. This riveting look was further elevated with a pair of boots. To compliment the ensemble, Ankush has added an ombré touch to his eyebrows.

Ankush Bahuguna’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival has created a buzz as he is the First Male Beauty Content Creator to represent India on a global platform. So, it was only fitting to make his debut at the French Riviera by paying an ode to rich Indian handlooms.

Spice Money launches VIP Program to scale up its Network of 14 lakh Rural Merchants

Mumbai, May 17, 2024: Spice Money (a subsidiary of DiGiSPICE Technologies), India’s pioneering rural fintech revolutionizing the way Bharat banks, is thrilled to announce the launch of its VIP Program, designed to provide a four-fold exclusive benefit package to its network of 14 lakh Adhikaris. This program is tailored to enhance their experience and drive growth in their businesses. This first-of-its-kind initiative in the segment is designed to offer premium benefits, personalized assistance, and exclusive earning opportunities, ensuring that high-transacting Adhikaris receive exceptional service, support, and priority attention. This program aims to identify and reward the top-performing Adhikaris(Merchant)by providing them with a clear path to increased earnings and enhanced services. This initiative will lead to the loyalty of Adhikaris, ensuring their commitment to the Spice Money platform through exclusive benefits and additional earning opportunities. Any Adhikari (Merchant) looking to advance within the Spice Money network can join the VIP Program.

Key Features of the VIP Program:

· Transactional Benefits: Adhikari’s enrolled in the VIP Program will enjoy additional commissions on core products such as Aadhar-based withdrawals AePs, DMT, and financial services products like opening of CASA and consumer loan products.

· Care Benefits: VIP Adhikari’s will receive special care and support due to their high transaction volumes, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing transactional volumes.

· Discounts on Services & Hardware: The program offers discounts on hardware, including the change of biometric devices as per UIDAI guidelines as an industry-wide change in the ecosystem, leading to a reduction in fraud.

· Personal Benefits: Spice Money is also committed to offering personal benefits such as insurance and scholarships for Adhikari’s children, providing a holistic approach for a Nanoprenuer to grow their business

The VIP Program is open to all Adhikaris aspiring to advance in their Spice Money journey. Adhikaris can choose from three levels of subscription plans, Basic, Advance and VIP plans starting at Rs. 199 as an introductory monthly price, tailored to meet varying needs and preferences.

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money, said, “The VIP Program is a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and rewarding the outstanding performance of our top Adhikaris. This initiative provides them with a clear pathway to increased earnings and superior services, aligning with our mission of fostering financial inclusion and empowerment in emerging India.”

Kuldeep Pawar, Chief Marketing Officer, Spice Money, said, ”I am thrilled to introduce our VIP Program, another game-changing initiative from Spice Money tailored to elevate the journey of our high-transacting Adhikaris. This program not only recognizes the exceptional performance of our top Adhikaris and rewards it but also enhances their experience with exclusive benefits and personalized services. This initiative highlights our unwavering dedication to empowering our partners and revolutionizing rural banking in India”

The VIP program offers a unique status as a VIP Adhikari, with enhanced UI/UX exclusively for these members. They will have access to a VIP dashboard where they can seamlessly view all details regarding their earnings, transactions, and more, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Adhikaris enrolled in the VIP Program will enjoy additional commission payouts on transactions, with the ability to track their growth in earnings conveniently. Furthermore, the program includes forthcoming insurance benefits. Since its launch, over 5000+ Adhikaris have already subscribed to the VIP Program in less than 30 days, highlighting its popularity and the value it offers to Spice Money’s high-transacting Adhikaris.

Pacific Malls To Host Exciting Summer Camps For Kids

New Delhi, 17th May 2024: As the summer sun shines bright, Pacific Group is thrilled to announce an exhilarating array of Summer Camps at its malls located across Delhi, Faridabad, and Dehradun. With a plethora of exciting and engaging activities, these camps promise an environment full of fun, learning, and adventure for children of all ages. Offering a diverse range of activities tailored to ignite creativity, foster friendships, and spark joy, Pacific Malls gear up to provide a fun and memorable summer holiday.

Pacific NSP brings a thrilling Summer Camp starting from May 17 to June 9, 2024. The camp will comprise four activities: a science and Fun Zone, an Art and Craft Zone, a Recycle Zone, and DIY Workshops, offering kids a fun-filled experience.

From May 17 to June 2, 2024, Pacific Tagore Garden to offer a blend of fun, play, and learning activities for children of all ages. The camp’s four theme-based zones—Recycle Zone, Art Zone, Science Zone, and Experiential Zone—will inspire curiosity and creativity, providing an enriching experience for young minds.

Pacific D21 Mall, in collaboration with Kabuliwala, will present a vibrant array of activities for children from May 17 to June 9, 2024. Activities will include Storytelling, Madhubani Painting, Origami, Clay Art, Puppetry, Arts and Crafts, Creative Writing, Science Fun, Pottery, and a Doodle Wall. These engaging sessions are designed to foster creativity and promote environmental awareness among young participants.

From May 17 to May 31, 2024, Pacific Jasola will offer an exciting summer camp adventure. Highlights include Science of Wizards 3.0, where kids can explore spin art, thread art, cyanotype photography, and more. Additionally, the Daak Room will feature a post-office set up in the mall atrium, with a letter-writing contest on various topics to engage kids.

Pacific Mall Dehradun will run the “Pacific ki Paathshala Chapter 4” summer camp from May 17 to May 26, 2024. The camp will have a dedicated activity area for kids and organize a role-play center comprising a police station, hospital, fossil excavation site, paint wall, and daily crafts workshop.

From May 18 to June 30, 2024, The Mall of Faridabad will host the “Dino Adventure World” theme-based summer camp from May 18 to June 30, 2024. The camp will comprise engaging creative activities every day, such as make your own Dino Fossil, Dinosaur-themed Origami, Dinosaur Fossil rocks, Dinosaur candle making, Dinosaur puppets, fridge magnets, and more activities promoting creativity and intellectual growth of kids.

Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group said, “We’re delighted to launch our annual Summer Camps, where kids can enhance their creativity, make new friends, and embark on thrilling adventures. We envision providing a safe and stimulating environment where kids can learn, explore, and have fun while making memories. Our camps are led by experienced and certified instructors, assuring parents their children will be in good hands.”

The Summer Camps at Pacific Malls are about entertainment and fostering learning and growth among children. Each activity is thoughtfully curated to promote creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

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Urban Square Mall’s Kids Carnival Is Making Us Want To Be Kids Again

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, is about to transform into a playground of joy and creativity. Starting May 17 and running through June 9, the mall will host a month-long Kids Carnival, promising an unforgettable blend of fun and learning for children of all ages. This unique event will not only keep the young ones entertained but also provide them with opportunities to explore and showcase their talents.

Imagine a place where the vibrant atmosphere is filled with the laughter of children, the excitement of daily prizes, and the creativity of activities like pottery making, caricature drawing, kids’ nail art, and temporary tattoo making. Urban Square Mall is bringing this vision to life with a series of engaging events designed to cater to diverse interests and age groups.

The Kids Carnival is more than just a series of events; it’s a comprehensive program aimed at enriching the summer holidays. Each day will bring something new, from a shopping carnival where lucky shoppers can win daily prizes to the much-anticipated Jamboree Season 2 and the Dance Battle Semi-Final. These events will transform the mall into a bustling hub of activity, offering something for everyone.

During the carnival, children will have the chance to shine. They can showcase their musical talents, dance skills, and other abilities in a series of performances and competitions. Jamboree Season 2 is set to be a highlight, featuring fashion shows, singing competitions, and dance performances. Additionally, interactive workshops will provide hands-on experiences, allowing kids to learn and grow while having fun.

The best part? Entry to the Kids Carnival is free for all visitors. And there’s an added bonus for shoppers: those who spend Rs. 1000 or more will enjoy complimentary parking at the mall, making it easier for families to participate in the festivities.

Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director of Bhumika Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The objective of the Kids Carnival is to help parents recognize and appreciate their children’s talents. As parents focus solely on their children’s academics, overlooking their innate skills and abilities, the Kids Carnival aims to bring these hidden talents to the forefront. We look forward to organizing more activities to nurture and develop children’s talents.”

Urban Square Mall’s Kids Carnival is set to be the highlight of the summer, offering a delightful mix of entertainment, education, and creativity. It’s the perfect place for children to discover new interests, make friends, and create lasting memories. So, mark your calendars and get ready to relive the joy of childhood – because this summer, Urban Square Mall is making us all wish we were kids again!