PayPal, NPCI Tie up to Integrate UPI for Cross-Border Payments
Global Payments firm PayPal announced a tie-up with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for the integration of UPI on PayPal World's platform for seamless cross-border payments.
This is part of a series of global partnerships unveiled by the company that will connect many of the world's largest payment systems and digital wallets on a single platform, starting with interoperability with PayPal and Venmo.
Fino Payments Bank Launches 'GATI' Savings Account
Fino Payments Bank launched a new digital savings account named 'GATI', a term meaning 'speed' in several Indian languages — with the aim to deepen UPI transaction penetration in rural and semi-urban areas of West Bengal. By offering an affordable, zero-balance account with instant transaction capability, Fino seeks to empower digitally-inclined customers, especially those underserved by traditional banking systems.
Fino Payments Bank has built its presence by leveraging a merchant-based banking model, especially in areas with limited access to formal banking infrastructure. With over 40,000 merchant points in West Bengal, the bank aims to facilitate easier onboarding into the digital financial ecosystem.
Jul 23, 2025
Industry Giant "UNIPACK Corrugated" Enters India's Packaging Market
UniPack Corrugated, a global leader in smart packaging engineering & automation solutions, announced its entry into India's fast growing packaging industry through the strategic acquisition of Congzhou Machinery the leading manufacturer of corrugated board equipment. This move establishes UniPack India as a dedicated entity serving the nation's Rs. 50,000 crore packaging sector with advanced technology and 360° comprehensive support.
Patrik Antoni New CEO of Ikea India as Susanne Pulverer Resigns
Ikea India, part of leading Swedish home furnishings retailer, announced the appointment of Patrik Antoni as its next CEO.
Antoni, whose appointment will be effective from August 2025, will also work as Country Retail Manager & Chief Sustainability Manager (CSO), Ikea India said.
He will replace incumbent Susanne Pulverer, current Country Retail Manager & CSO, who has decided to leave her role at Ikea.
She was associated with Ikea for 28 years and has spent over eight years in India in three stints.
Jul 22, 2025
LIC Signs MoU with Rural Development Ministry to Promote Bima Sakhi Yojana
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) entered into a significant partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development to promote the Bima Sakhi Yojana, a women-centric insurance distribution initiative. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during the 'Anubhuti' Conclave on Financial Inclusion held in Goa, reflects a mutual commitment toward women empowerment, financial inclusion, and enhancing rural livelihoods through structured insurance career opportunities.
RRBs Reduced from 43 to 28 to Simplify Management, Ease of Service Delivery
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the amalgamation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) resulted in formation of a state-level RRB with contiguous area of operation leading to simplifying management and ease of service delivery.
In a written reply to a question on the first day of the Parliament's Monsoon Session, FM Sitharaman said that guided by the principle of 'One State-One RRB', the government continued with the process of further consolidation of RRBs in "Phase IV amalgamation" to achieve the benefits of scale efficiency and cost rationalisation, whereby number of RRBs has been reduced from 43 to 28 (with effect from May 1, 2025) in 26 states and 2 UTs.
Jul 21, 2025
India Tops Global Fast Payments
India emerged as the global leader in fast payments, according to a note by the International Monetary Fund titled 'Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability.'
At the heart of this transformation is the Unified Payments Interface, better known as UPI. It was launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India.
Jul 19, 2025
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava Appointed Director (Engineering & R&D), HAL
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava officially assumed the role of Director (Engineering and R&D) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of India's premier aerospace and defence public sector undertakings. With 37 years of experience in aircraft design and development, Shrivastava's appointment marks a significant move in advancing indigenous aviation capabilities and innovation.
Ajay Shrivastava began his professional journey at HAL in 1988 as a Management Trainee (Technical). Over the decades, he has served in multiple leadership roles including Head of the Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC) and the Transport Aircraft Research & Design Centre (TARDC).
Government Extends NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh's Tenure till July 2026
The government extended the tenure of Gurdeep Singh as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NTPC by one year.
Singh who was due to retire on July 31, will now lead the power giant for till July-end 2026. NTPC is India's largest power producing entity under Ministry of Power.