Day 22 of PM Modi’s 30-Day UPI challenge. Envisioning UPI bloom in Surat Diamond Bourse

 

As the 30-Day UPI extravaganza orchestrated by PM Modi reaches its 22nd note, the spotlight now turns to the Surat Diamond Bourse, a gem in the making.

Envisioning a future where the occupancy levels within Surat Diamond Bourse soar to 80% by the close of 2024, the stage is set for a crescendo in UPI volumes.

 

Day 22 of PM Modi's 30-Day challenge is marked by heightened anticipation at the Surat Diamond Bourse, a colossal venture that aspires to redefine the landscape of diamond and jewellery trade.

The UPI channels at Surat Diamond Bourse are under the spotlight, with expectations of witnessing their unprecedented growth and adoption.

PM Modi's 30-Day challenge enters Day 22 with a focus on Surat Diamond Bourse, anticipating the flourishing of UPI channels within its premises.

The ambitious goal for Surat Diamond Bourse is to achieve an 80% occupancy rate by the end of 2024, a work in progress. As more offices get occupied, the UPI transaction volumes are expected to rise.

 

The current ensemble of UPI Channels includes the versatile UPI Lite X, the rhythmic UPI Tap n Pay, the harmonious UPI Scan n Pay, the melodious UPI Pay with Voice, the automated UPI AutoPay, and the sophisticated UPI RuPay Credit Card.

Each channel plays a unique role in this digital symphony.

In the grand spectacle of financial metamorphosis, I foresee a mesmerizing blend, with 98% of transactions pirouetting through the realm of digital finesse and a mere 2% clinging to the echoes of cash within the Surat Diamond Bourse campus.

Eagerly awaiting the forthcoming movements in this digital dance, anticipating updates that will paint the canvas of Surat Diamond Bourse with the vibrant hues of a cashless future. 💳✨ #DigitalHarmony #UPISymphony 🌐🎶

Surat Diamond Bourse, situated at Khajod village near Surat city, aspires to be the world's largest and most modern center for international diamond and jewellery business.

Envisaged as a global hub, Surat Diamond Bourse spans a staggering 70 lakh sq ft, accommodating 4,500 offices with 130 elevators facilitating seamless movement within the complex. The scale of the project is monumental, with a 22 km passage weaving through its expanse.

 

The existing UPI channels worldwide include UPI Lite X, UPI Tap n Pay, UPI Scan n Pay, UPI Pay with Voice, UPI AutoPay, and UPI RuPay Credit Card.

The overarching goal is to achieve a digital transaction dominance, with 98% of transactions transpiring through digital means and a mere 2% relying on traditional cash transactions within the Surat Diamond Bourse campus.

 

Green initiatives take center stage at Surat Diamond Bourse, with the project being recognized as a platinum pre-certified Green Building, adhering to the highest ecological standards.

The structure is not merely an office complex; it's a statement of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The commitment to green building concepts is reflected in the design, ensuring energy efficiency, ample natural light, and a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

 

The inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse is a momentous occasion, and the anticipation is palpable.

The project has garnered attention not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its role in contributing to the growth of the diamond industry on a global scale.

The Surat Diamond Bourse is set to house a state-of-the-art Customs Clearance House, a Jewellery mall for retail business, and facilities for international banking and safe vaults.

 

The Surat Diamond Bourse has already become a symbol of excellence, reflecting the collective effort of the community and the dedication of its members.

The Maha Aarti and Ganesha Sthapana event on World Environment Day marked a spiritual commencement, with thousands of lamps illuminating the vision and spirit behind this extraordinary project.

 

The visionary leadership of Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse, has guided the project through challenges and triumphs.

The grand event on 5th June 2022, with esteemed members of the Surat Diamond Bourse community present, was a testament to the relentless pursuit of this dream.

It was not just the lighting of lamps but the illumination of a vision that holds promise for Surat, Gujarat, and India.

 

The Surat Diamond Bourse is not just a building; it's a testament to human aspiration, innovation, and collaboration.

With a commitment to providing a sustainable and efficient trading environment, SURAT DIAMOND BOURSE is poised to become a landmark in the global diamond and jewelry business.

As the official inauguration is now over, the world watches with anticipation for the filling up of the offices of the world's largest office complex – the Surat Diamond Bourse.

 

 

**Paving the Way for Safe ePayments: Declaring Safe ePayDay! ** 🚀

In the vast realm of digital transactions, the spotlight is now on declaring a special day — Safe ePayDay / Safe ePayments Day! 💳✨

 

🚀 The countdown has begun, and the day is fast approaching when we'll join together in a global celebration of Safe ePayDay.

🌍✨ Imagine a day dedicated to promoting secure, seamless, and responsible electronic transactions, uniting individuals, and businesses alike.

 

Stay tuned for the momentous occasion when we collectively recognize and applaud the significance of secure ePayments in shaping a trustworthy financial landscape. 🎉💼

Let's usher in the era of Safe ePayDay, a day where we celebrate the reliability and resilience of electronic payment systems worldwide! 🌐💳 #SafeePayDay #DigitalTrust #SecureTransactions 🚀

 

 

📢 Disclaimer: These are my personal views only.

🌐 The focus is declaring a Day as Safe ePayDay / Safe ePayments Day.

🚀 Yes, the day is not far off when there will be a celebration of Safe ePayDay / Safe ePayments Day.

Copyrights if any, belong to the original copyright holder only.

 

Additional Readings:

💳✨ Happy RuPay Credit Card User Shares Positive Vibes! ✨💳** @ https://prashantnepayments.blogspot.com/2023/11/happy-rupay-credit-card-user-shares.html

PM Modi Urges Exclusive Use of UPI on Mann Ki Baat: A Month Dedicated to Digital Payments @

https://prashantnepayments.blogspot.com/2023/11/pm-modi-urges-exclusive-use-of-upi-on.html

 

 

 RAPIDX Tickets – Looking forward to UPI Tap n Pay

Exciting news on the horizon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate RAPIDX, India's groundbreaking regional rapid rail service, later this month. As per two well-informed officials, a 17-kilometer-long priority section of this service is expected to open its doors to the public in the very near future, possibly during the second half of October.

 

This particular segment boasts five stations—Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot. All construction work at these stations was wrapped up by June this year, signaling their readiness for operation.

 

RAPIDX, a game-changer in the realm of transportation, distinguishes itself from traditional metro and railway systems. It caters to passengers seeking to travel longer distances with fewer stops and at higher speeds. With a design speed of 180 km/hr and an operational speed of 160 km/hr, it offers an average speed of 100 km/hr, ensuring rapid and efficient regional transit. Incredibly, it will take only 60 minutes to cover 100 kilometers.

 

UPI Tap n Pay is poised to revolutionize the way consumers make payments with its innovative approach.

 

Under the Phase 1 development, several key corridors are being established:

 

Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut Corridor

Delhi – Gurugram – SNB – Alwar Corridor

Delhi – Panipat Corridor

The RRTS network, once fully operational, promises world-class commuter transit services characterized by safety and reduced travel times, thanks to its high-speed (160 km) and high-frequency (5 to 10 minutes) operations. For non-stop journeys, this technology allows travelers to cover distances of 100 kilometers in under 45 to 50 minutes. Additionally, the project ensures seamless connectivity with Indian Railways, Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), airports, and the Delhi Metro, making it convenient for all categories of travelers.

 

The estimated 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Corridor is a vital link connecting Delhi to Uttar Pradesh. It will not only benefit the region but also facilitate the connection of numerous townships and economic centers already planned along this corridor.

 

To add to the excitement, an Rs. 227 crore contract was awarded on December 24, 2021, to Datamatics Global Services – AEP Ticketing Solutions (DM-AEP-26A JV) for the EMV-based open-loop Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system for the Delhi – Meerut RRTS Line (Package 26A). This innovative line will offer QR code ticketing (digital and paper QR codes) and EMV open-loop contactless card ticketing in line with NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) standards. Travelers can conveniently purchase QR code tickets from vending machines, ticket booths, or digitally via the NCRTC's mobile app or website. Business Class passengers will also enjoy the privilege of access to the executive lounge and boarding the Alstom trains.

 

The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a pioneering approach for AFCs in India, introduced tenders for this package in May 2021. The future of regional rapid rail travel in India is fast approaching, promising an efficient and advanced commuting experience.

UPI Tap n Pay is poised to revolutionize the way consumers make payments with its innovative approach. With this groundbreaking service, customers will enjoy the convenience of swiftly completing transactions by simply tapping Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled QR codes at merchant locations. This user-friendly method not only accelerates the payment process but also enhances the overall shopping experience, saving valuable time for busy individuals.

 

However, the most distinctive and exceptional feature of UPI Tap n Pay is its independence from the necessity of an internet connection. 

In an age where digital transactions often hinge on stable connectivity, this service breaks the mold by ensuring that payments can be made seamlessly even in areas with limited or no internet access. This remarkable feature guarantees reliability and accessibility, making PI Tap & Pay a game-changer in the world of payment solutions. 

Whether you're in a bustling city or a remote location, this service empowers you to make secure payments without the constraints of an internet connection, truly putting control back in the hands of consumers.

  

Disclaimer: The official RAPIDX Ticket prices have yet to be released, which means that this article is still a work in progress. The bottom line Safe ePayments. Nothing More – Nothing Less. 

UPI LITE X (Offline) in Vande Bharat Trains

         Eagerly anticipating the opportunity to buy food onboard Vande Bharat Trains using the UPI LITE X (Offline) feature.

The UPI LITE X (Offline) functionality has been launched on the NPCI BHIM App, and now it's Indian Railways' turn to activate UPI Lite X for food transactions on Vande Bharat Trains. We should actively discourage the traditional cash payment method.

It's worth noting that passengers who initially didn't choose to include meals when booking their tickets can still purchase food while onboard Vande Bharat Trains.

Naturally, it's essential for the catering team to ensure they have an adequate supply of food items available on these trains.

Passengers who do not pre-purchase their meals will incur an additional charge of ₹50 if they choose to order food on the train, provided it is available.

 

Railway sources have indicated that there has been some confusion regarding the availability of food items on Vande Bharat trains. To address this, moving forward, passengers will receive SMS notifications about catering services at the time of booking and again 24 to 48 hours before their journey for confirmation.

 

Rail officials stated, "The SMS notifications will also include details about the meals and the portion sizes that will be served." Many passengers had previously expressed dissatisfaction, citing instances where they were served vegetarian breakfast despite having paid for a non-vegetarian option. This new system is aimed at enhancing transparency, ensuring that passengers are fully aware of what they are paying for.

 

Expanding upon the success of the UPI LITE feature, the RBI Governor has introduced UPI LITE X for offline payments, enabling consumers to make payments from any location, even in situations with limited or no internet connectivity.

This innovative product leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

This advancement greatly simplifies transactions, particularly in areas with unreliable connectivity, ensuring that money can be sent and received without interruptions when internet access is unavailable.

UPI Lite X extends its transaction capabilities to regions with connectivity challenges, such as underground stations and remote locales, distinguishing itself from both regular UPI and UPI Lite.

While regular UPI facilitates seamless money transfers between bank accounts regardless of the amount, UPI Lite is tailored for small payments.

UPI Lite X, on the other hand, surpasses both by enabling offline transactions in areas with poor or no connectivity.

To ensure the reliability and effectiveness of these offline transactions, it's crucial that the sender and receiver are in close proximity to each other—a sort of digital handshake between devices.

With UPI Lite X, users can initiate a one-time maximum payment of Rs. 500, making it a convenient solution for swift, small transactions.

While individual transactions through UPI Lite X are capped at Rs. 500, users still have the flexibility to make payments totaling up to Rs. 4,000 per day.

Let's highlight the distinctions between UPI Lite X, UPI, and UPI Lite:

01) UPI Lite functions as a payment solution utilizing the NPCI Common Library (CL) app, primarily designed for low-value transactions. On the other hand, UPI operates as a 24x7 instant payment system, facilitating real-time fund transfers between two bank accounts.

02) When utilizing UPI or UPI Lite, the recipient doesn't necessitate physical presence and can accept funds from anywhere within the country. Transactions can be executed by scanning a QR code or by using the recipient's UPI ID or linked phone number.

03) In contrast, UPI Lite X transactions necessitate both the sender's and receiver's devices to be in close proximity. These transactions employ NFC technology to transfer money between on-device wallets, eliminating the necessity for internet access.

 

 

Meanwhile, the newly introduced Vande Bharat trains are set to ply on several key routes across the country, including the Udaipur-Jaipur, Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Vijayawada-Chennai (via Renigunta), Patna-Howrah, Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram, Rourkela-Bhubaneswar-Puri, Ranchi-Howrah, and Jamnagar-Ahmedabad corridors.

 

These trains are poised to become the fastest means of transportation on their respective routes, promising time savings ranging from 30 minutes to three hours.

 

These nine Vande Bharat trains will significantly enhance connectivity across eleven states, namely Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.

 

Operational on specific routes, these Vande Bharat trains are designed to offer passengers the quickest travel experience possible.

 

Compared to the current fastest trains on these routes, the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar-Puri Vande Bharat Express and Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express will cut travel times by approximately 3 hours, the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express by over 2.5 hours, the Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Vande Bharat Express by more than 2 hours, the Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, and Jamnagar-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express by about 1 hour each, and the Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express by approximately half an hour.

 

In accordance with the Prime Minister's vision to enhance connectivity to significant religious sites across the nation, the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar-Puri Vande Bharat Express and Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Vande Bharat Express will connect important pilgrimage destinations like Puri and Madurai.

Additionally, the Vijayawada-Chennai Vande Bharat Express, operating via the Renigunta route, will offer connectivity to the Tirupati Pilgrimage Center.

  

Notice: The statements in this blog post represent my individual perspectives exclusively.

The fundamental objective is Safe ePayments, nothing beyond, nothing less.

Copyrights, if any belong to the original copyright holder only.

 

Diabetes Care Motivator. #DiabetesCareMotivator 

Is UPI Tap n Pay Set to Launch During the Upcoming Ganesh Festival?

 Is UPI Tap n Pay Set to Launch During the Upcoming Ganesh Festival?     

The Ganesh Festival is approaching, and preparations are already underway.

One of the key highlights of the Ganesh Festival is the Ganesh Pandal, where numerous installations appear throughout India/Bharat to celebrate the joy of Ganesh Habba.

Donation boxes are a common sight in these Ganesh Pandals, allowing devotees to contribute their donations to Lord Ganesh.

In 2019, a few Ganesh Pandals embraced UPI as a means to receive donations.

Now, in 2023, the question arises: Will UPI Tap n Pay make its debut during this year's festivities?        

           

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity with an elephant head.

This 10-day-long celebration commences with the installation of a Lord Ganesh idol (referred to as Ganpati Murti) and culminates with its immersion in a water body.

The festival begins on the 4th day and concludes on the 14th day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will kick off on the 19th of September, which falls on a Tuesday. The exact date may from State to State.

The credit for reviving this festival and transforming it from a private household observance into a grand public event goes to the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in 1893.

During a time when the British colonial government prohibited social and political gatherings in India, this celebration ignited patriotic sentiments and united people of all castes and communities against the colonial rule.

When the festival is organized by local parties or clubs, they often opt for large-scale idols of Lord Ganesha and continue with music, dance, and various cultural shows or events for a duration of 11 days.

This uninterrupted celebration is filled with vibrancy, and it provides an opportunity for people to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a grand scale in various states of India, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Due to regional differences, the methods and customs of worship and celebration may vary slightly.

In Tamil Nadu, this festival is referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Pillayar Chaturthi. It occurs on the fourth day following the new moon in the month of Avaṇi as per the Tamil calendar.

In Kerala, this festival is known as Lamboodhara Piranalu and takes place during the month of Chingam.

Lastly, in Thiruvananthapuram, there is a unique tradition where a parade proceeds from the Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple to Shankumugham Beach.

 

This parade features towering statues of Lord Ganesha, crafted exclusively from organic materials. An interesting observation is the immersion of milk into the sea as part of the festivities

 

 

Disclaimer: These are solely my personal opinions. It's been a while since we've witnessed any innovations in donation methods during the Ganesh Festival. This presents a golden opportunity. The primary goal remains Safe ePayments, nothing more and nothing less.

Diabetes Care Motivator #DiabetesCareMotivator

 

Additional Reading Material:

Cool.. Idea! : Lord Ganesha accepts donations through UPI here!@ https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/cool-idea-lord-ganesha-accepts-donations-through-upi-here-561787

 

One of Bengaluru’s oldest Ganesha Utsava’s journey across multiple locations in six decades  @ https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/one-of-bengalurus-oldest-ganesha-utsavas-journey-across-multiple-locations-in-six-decades/article67292277.ece

Top 10 Famous Ganpati Pandals Across India to Visit this Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 @ https://www.travellersofindia.com/top-10-famous-ganpati-pandals-india-to-visit-this-ganesh-chaturthi/

 

 

UPI Crosses 1,00,000 lacs Volumes on 30-08-2023

  UPI Crosses 1,00,000 lacs Volumes on 30-08-2023

A new landmark. Congratulations to all the stakeholders

Disclaimer: These are my personal views only. The bottom line is Safe ePayments. Nothing More - Nothing Less

#DiabetesCareMotivator

UPI Lite – Go Live Date comes closer

 

UPI Lite – Go Live Date comes closer

          The Go Live for UPI Lite is coming closer.

          The below image says it all.

          I hold accounts with Kotak Mahindra Bank, Union Bank of India and Paytm Payments Bank.

          As soon as the above Banks roll-out UPI Lite, I will be the first of the adopters of UPI Lite.

          UPI Lite – Let the magic begun.

        Thank You NPCI. 

My earlier Blog posts on UPI Lite

01) UPI Lite – UPI without Internet – 21 FAQs dt.- January 25, 2022 @ https://innovationinbanking.blogspot.com/2022/01/upi-lite-upi-without-internet-21-faqs.html

 

02)                  Railways and UPI Lite – 1,00,00,000 UPI Lite Transactions per day - Let the Magic begun dt.- February 04, 2022 @ https://innovationinbanking.blogspot.com/2022/02/railways-and-upi-lite-10000000-upi-lite.html

 

Additional Reading - 

All you need to know about UPI Lite @ https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/spotlight-on-upi-lite/article65298634.ece