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Sunday, December 17, 2023

🌟 A simple explainer on RBI Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 🌟

  

🌟 **Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme** 📅 **Launch Date: October 30, 2015

 


🪙 Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24 Series III - Issue Price

📅 Subscription Period: December 18–22, 2023

🔍 Details: As per the Government of India notification F.No.4(6)-B(W&M)/2023 and the Reserve Bank press release on December 08, 2023, the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24 - Series III will be open for subscription from December 18 to December 22, 2023.

 

📈 Nominal Value Calculation: The nominal value of the bond is determined based on the simple average of the closing prices published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) for gold of 999 purity on the last three working days of the week preceding the subscription period.

For the upcoming series, i.e., December 13, December 14, and December 15, 2023, the calculated nominal value is ₹6,199/- (Rupees Six thousand one hundred and ninety-nine only) per gram of gold.

 

💻 Discount for Online Investors: In a strategic move, the Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank, is offering a discount of ₹50/- per gram less than the nominal value to investors applying online and making payments through digital modes.

For these tech-savvy investors, the issue price of the Gold Bond becomes ₹6,149/- (Rupees Six thousand one hundred and forty-nine only) per gram of gold. 🤖💰

 

🌐Subscription Window: Investors are encouraged to seize this opportunity and subscribe to the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme during the specified period.

It's a chance to secure gold at an attractive rate, especially for those embracing the convenience of online transactions. 💻🛍️

🇮🇳 Introduction: The **Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)** Scheme, initiated by the Government of India (GOI) on October 30, 2015, is a distinctive approach to gold investment. 🪙

 

🌐 Scheme Overview: Under the Gold Monetization Scheme, SGBs were introduced, offering a strategic way for investors to participate in gold without the need for physical possession. Issued monthly from October 2021 to March 2022, these bonds are made available in tranches by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in collaboration with the Indian Government. 📈🤝

 

🧐 Understanding SGB:  Denominated in grams of gold, with a minimum unit of 1 gram.

- Interest rate of 2.50% per annum, paid semi-annually on the nominal value.

- 8-year tenure with an exit option in the 5th, 6th, and 7th years on interest payment dates.

- Maximum individual subscription limit: 4 kg; 4 kg for a Hindu-Undivided Family (HUF); 20 kg for trusts and similar entities.

- Co-owned bonds limit applies to the first applicant.

- Issued as stocks under the Government Security Act, 2006.

- Investors receive a Holding Certificate. 📜💼

 

🇮🇳 Cultural Significance: In India, gold holds cultural significance, often purchased on auspicious occasions. While physical gold is the preferred choice, the Government and RBI offer an alternative through Sovereign Gold Bonds. This aligns with Indian traditions, combining investment with cultural practices. 💍🎉

 

💰 What are Sovereign Gold Bonds? Sovereign Gold Bonds, falling under Debt Funds, emerged in November 2015 as an innovative alternative to physical gold acquisition. These government securities, denominated in grams of gold, require investors to pay the issue price in cash. Upon maturity, the redemption occurs in cash.

 

🔒 Secured Investment: Sovereign Gold Bonds offer a secured investment, minimizing susceptibility to market risks and fluctuations. Issued by the Government, these bonds have predefined windows during which investors can subscribe in tranches. 🪙📉

 

📢 Issuance Announcements: The Government typically announces the issuance of gold bonds every 2 or 3 months through press releases, signaling a one-week subscription window. With an 8-year maturity period, investors have the flexibility to exit after 5 years. 📰🕒

1. What is SGB?

   - Govt. securities denominated in grams of gold.

   - Issued by RBI on behalf of the Govt. of India.

 

2. Why SGB over physical gold?

   - Protected quantity, superior to physical gold.

   - Eliminates storage risks and costs.

 

3. Risks in SGBs?

   - Capital loss if gold market price declines.

 

4. Who is eligible to invest?

   - Residents in India as per FEMA 1999.

 

5. Can minors and joint holding invest?

   - Yes, with a guardian. Joint holding allowed.

 

6. Where to get the application form?

   - Issuing banks, SHCIL offices, Post Offices, online.

 

7. What are the KYC norms?

   - PAN Number mandatory.

 

8. Minimum and maximum limits for investment?

   - Issued in denominations of one gram.

   - Min 1 gram, Max 4 kg for individuals.

9. Rate of interest and payment?

   - 2.50% per annum, credited semi-annually.

10. Authorized agencies for selling SGBs?

    - Nationalized/Private Banks, Post Offices, SHCIL, stock exchanges.

11. Assurance of allotment?

    - Yes, if eligibility criteria met.

 

12. When are Holding Certificates issued?

    - On the date of SGB issuance.

 

13. Can I apply online?

    - Yes, with a ₹50 per gram discount for online applications.

 

14. Price at which bonds are sold?

    - Nominal value in INR based on average gold price.

 

15. Daily publication of gold rates by RBI?

    - Yes, two days before the issue opens.

 

16. What will I get on redemption?

    - Redeemed in INR based on average gold price.

 

17. Redemption process and amount?

    - Advised one month before maturity.

    - Credited to the bank account.

 

18. Premature redemption and tradability?

    - Allowed after the fifth year.

    - Tradable on exchanges if in demat form.

 

19. Tax implications on interest and capital gain?

    - Taxable interest, exempted capital gains.

 

20. TDS applicable on the bond?

    - No TDS, holder's responsibility for tax compliance.

 

21. Customer services post-issuance?

    - Provided by issuing banks, SHCIL, Post Offices, stock exchanges.

 

22. Payment options for investing?

    - Cash (up to ₹20,000), cheques, demand draft, electronic fund transfer.

 

23. Nomination facility available?

    - Yes, as per Govt. Securities Act.

 

24. Can bonds be held in demat form?

    - Yes, with a specific request.

 

25. Trading of bonds?

    - Tradable from a date notified by RBI.

 

26. Death of an investor procedures?

    - Nominee's claim recognized, applicable provisions followed.

 

27. Part repayment during put option exercise?

    - Yes, in multiples of one gram.

 

28. Contacting RBI for queries?

    - Dedicated email for public queries. 📧

 

Choose your gold investment wisely! 💰✨🌐

 

🌟 Gold Investment Options Comparison 🌟



Gold ETFs / RBI Sovereign Gold Bond / Physical God

🔍 Insights:

- Safety: All three options provide a high level of safety, with minimal risk in digital forms.

- Returns: Sovereign Gold Bonds offer higher returns, especially if held until maturity.

- Purity: Electronic forms (ETFs and Bonds) assure high purity.

- Tradability: Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds offer tradability, while physical gold is restrictive.

- Gains: Tax benefits in LTCG for Bonds if redeemed after maturity.

- Storage: Digital forms require minimal storage, unlike physical gold.

- Loan Collateral: Bonds and physical gold can be used as loan collateral. **🚀 Celebrate Safe ePayDay! 💳✨**

 

In the digital realm, a special day is on the horizon—

SafeePayDay! 🌍✨ Join us in a global celebration, promoting secure, seamless, and responsible electronic transactions. 🌐💼

 

Stay tuned for the occasion when we collectively recognize the significance of secure ePayments, shaping a trustworthy financial landscape. 🎉💳

#SafeePayDay #DigitalTrust #SecureTransactions 🚀

 

📢 Disclaimer: Personal views. Focus on declaring Safe ePayDay.

Celebration is near!

Copyrights belong to the original holder.

Additional Reading Material: PM’s address in the 107th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on 26 Nov, 2023 @ https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-in-the-107th-episode-of-mann-ki-baat/

 

 

Friday, December 15, 2023

Day 19 of PM Modi's dynamic 30-day UPI Challenge sparks innovation in the digital realm!

 

🚀 Day 19 of PM Modi's dynamic 30-day UPI Challenge unfolds like a digital symphony, orchestrating innovation in every transaction! 💳💻

The quest for an enhanced UPI experience continues, shaping the future of seamless digital payments.



Let's ride this wave of transformative fintech with excitement and anticipation! 🌐📈 #30DayUPIChallenge #DigitalInnovation

         NPCI vide Cir.No.NPCl/UPl/OC-182/2023-24 dt. 7th December 2023, addressed to ‘Members - Unified Payments Interface (UPI), informed about User Experience Enhancements for UPI AutoPay.

As the UPI AutoPay journey evolves, weaving its significance into digital transactions, NPCI ushers in transformative enhancements to elevate user experience. 🌐📈

         As UPI AutoPay continues to evolve, weaving itself into the fabric of digital payments, it's time for transformative enhancements to elevate the user experience. 🚀📈

 

Noteworthy Enhancements:

 

1. In-App Merchant Recurring Payments: 

   1.1 UPI Apps unveil a dedicated section for users' bills and in-app merchant recurring payments. 

   1.2 UPI AutoPay takes center stage as the default payment option for bills and recurring payments in the "Pay via UPI" section.

 

2. AutoPay Transaction Limits: 

   2.1 UPI AutoPay transactions won't encroach on regular UPI transaction limits, ensuring seamless financial interactions. 

   2.2 For verified merchants, mandate creation and execution can now extend up to UPI transaction limits, with the AFA limit maintaining at 15,000/- as per the circular NPCl/UPl/OC No. 151/2022-23.

 

3. Mandate Management by Merchants: 

   3.1 Merchants (excluding MCC 7322) are encouraged to support mandate pause functionality to eliminate confusion. 

   3.2 To cancel mandates, merchants should use the UPIAutoPay channel via their acquiring bank, ensuring clarity for users.

   3.3 Merchants (excluding those under MCC 7322) must support mandate pause functionality to avoid confusion. 

4. Adherence to Latest Mandate Linking Specifications: 

   Payer apps and merchants are urged to align with the latest mandate linking specifications for an enhanced customer experience. This includes separate display of the first debit amount, QR scanning support, and the flexibility for users to choose between one-time and recurring payments.

 

5. Standardization of Merchant VPA Format: 

   Acquiring banks are advised to adopt the standard VPA format for onboarding new merchants, ensuring a streamlined process within the UPI ecosystem.

A structured approach ensures clarity and efficiency in the UPI ecosystem.

 

All UPI community members are encouraged to embrace these enhancements, collectively steering UPI towards an era of unparalleled convenience and innovation by the 15th of February 2024.

All members of the UPI community are urged to embrace these enhancements, fostering a more user-centric UPI AutoPay experience by the latest 15th of February 2024.

Let's propel UPI into a future where user experience takes center stage! 🌟🤝 #UPIAutoPay #DigitalInnovation #UserExperience

Let's collectively propel UPI into a future of unparalleled convenience and innovation! 🌟🤝 #UPIAutoPay #UserExperience #DigitalInnovation

 

**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

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Day 17 of PM Modi's 30-day challenge: Best wishes to the Amazon Pay Team for Credit on UPI!

🚀  🌟Exciting times ahead as Amazon Pay India's Director, Jain, reveals plans to collaborate with banks and the NPCI, aiming for the product launch in the first half of 2024. 📆💳

 


Amazon Pay, the financial arm of the e-commerce giant, Amazon, is gearing up to introduce the Credit on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) feature, with aspirations to broaden credit usage and coverage. 🌐💼

 

Back in September, NPCI announced the UPI credit feature at the Global Fintech Fest, and by then, Amazon Pay had already garnered an impressive 80 million UPI users. 👥💰

 

With 54.39 million transactions in October 2023, Amazon Pay stands as the sixth-largest player in the payments segment. 📈💸

 

Operating credit products like a co-branded credit card and 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) service called Amazon Pay Later, Amazon Pay boasts over eight million sign-ups for Amazon Pay Later and a base of over four million customers for the co-branded credit card. 💳💡

In the dynamic landscape of 'Credit on UPI,' multiple players are working towards an early launch.

As it stabilizes, this initiative could potentially add another 100 lakh transactions per day. 🔄📊

In the spirit of innovation and progress, Prime Minister Modi's challenge has set the stage for exciting developments, and we're thrilled to witness Amazon Pay stepping up to the plate.

As the team sets its sights on this new frontier of financial services, the Credit on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) initiative promises to reshape the landscape of digital transactions.

This venture aligns perfectly with the vision of a digitally empowered India.

The Amazon Pay Team's dedication and collaboration with banks and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) speak volumes about their commitment to pushing boundaries.

Their goal? To introduce the Credit on UPI feature in the first half of 2024, a move that's poised to elevate the user experience and broaden the horizon of financial possibilities.

 

This strategic move by Amazon Pay, the payments and financial services arm of the e-commerce giant, reflects a forward-thinking approach to meet the evolving needs of the digital economy.

With the potential to expand the usage and coverage of credit, this initiative is not just a milestone for Amazon Pay but a leap forward for the entire financial ecosystem.

 

As the anticipation builds, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of Credit on UPI, contributing to the growth and inclusivity of digital financial services in India.

 

Kudos to the Amazon Pay Team for embracing this challenge and charting a course towards a future where digital transactions are seamless, accessible, and empowering! 🌐💳 #AmazonPay #CreditOnUPI #DigitalFinance #InnovationInBanking

A glimpse into the broader scenario: RBI Governor's launch of Credit Line on UPI at the Global Fintech Fest 2023, designed to promote financial inclusion and innovation.

This initiative facilitates pre-sanctioned credit lines from banks via UPI, streamlining the access to credit and fostering a more digital banking ecosystem. 🌐💡

 

The UPI credit line introduces a revolutionary on-tap, collateral-free credit line announced by the RBI Governor on April 6, 2023.

This flexible borrowing limit can be accessed through a user's UPI app, offering a faster and more accessible credit solution. 💳📲

 

For new-to-credit customers, this initiative provides a convenient and efficient alternative to multiple credit cards.

It's a stepping stone to ignite more innovations around UPI, such as revolving credit lines, instant overdraft, and other personal credit solutions, paving the way for advancements in B2B transactions and the introduction of BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) products. 🔥🔄💡 #AmazonPay #CreditOnUPI #DigitalFinance #InnovationInBanking

 

**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

 

Mayank Jain, Director, Credit & Lending, Amazon Pay India interview @ https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/looking-forward-to-ride-the-credit-on-upi-wave-amazon-pay-india-s-jain-123121301073_1.html

 

 

Monday, December 11, 2023

🗓️ Day 16 of PM Modi's 30-Day Challenge: UPI Revolutionizing BBPS Processes! 🌐💳

A Digital Symphony:  In this digital chapter of the 30-day challenge, Day 16 marks a significant turn as UPI steps up to smoothen the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) processes. 🚀

 


🤖 Unveiling BBPS: BBPS, orchestrated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), stands as an integrated online ecosystem. With over 35 lakh offline collection centers and 150+ digital payment channels, including prominent UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, BBPS serves as a comprehensive platform for diverse bill payments. 📲💻

 

💳 Agent Institution - Guiding the Digital Symphony: Acting as conductors in this digital symphony are agent institutions, ranging from UPI apps like Google Pay to physical outlets such as banks. These entities play a crucial role in facilitating seamless BBPS transactions, making major UPI apps integral participants. 🎻📱

 

💰 Consumer Benefits in Digital Harmony: Consumers reap the rewards of this digital integration with easy payment options like UPI and net banking. BBPS offers versatile payment modes both online and offline, ensuring instant confirmation of transactions and digital-first grievance resolution to enhance the user experience. 💡💳

 

📈 Biller's Vision - Digitizing the Bill Collection Landscape: For billers integrated into BBPS, the digital vision encompasses collecting recurring payments, minimizing costs associated with diverse UPI apps, and reducing manual efforts in reconciliation. This transformation aims to reshape the bill collection process for the next generation of digital bill payers. 🔄💡

 

In the harmonious marriage of UPI and BBPS on Day 16, the digital landscape witnesses a transformation.

It's not just about payments; it's about forging a path toward seamless, efficient, and cost-effective digital transactions.

🌐💃🚀 #DigitalTransformation #UPIBBPS

 

**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

 

 

  

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