How To Use MobiKwik Pocket UPI For Simplified UPI Payments

The fintech sector has rapidly evolved by leveraging technology to offer cutting-edge solutions that enable users to manage their finances more effectively and securely.

However, recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that during the first half of FY24, over 14,000 banking-related scams took place. As these scams become more sophisticated, fintechs are proactively implementing solutions to strengthen the security and trust of their users.

MobiKwik, a fintech company is leveraging the power of UPI by enabling its users to make safe transactions with Pocket UPI - a powerful feature that enhances the functionality of its digital Wallet. Pocket UPI enables users to leverage their MobiKwik Wallet to make payments across all operators’ QRs and UPI IDs seamlessly, without directly linking the bank account.

Pocket UPI enhances security by reducing repetitive exposure to the bank account while making UPI payments. It is a convenient option to make UPI payments for minor and recurring expenses, as it consolidates minor and recurring expenses, decluttering bank statements for improved financial visibility. It works 24/7 even during bank downtimes.

How to get started with Pocket UPI? The process is easy:

First, scroll down on the MobiKwik app and select Pocket UPI. To create your Pocket UPI ID, you must first complete the KYC. 

Load your MobiKwik Wallet. You can add balance to your Wallet using UPI, debit cards and credit cards.

Once your balance is topped up, you can start making UPI payments through the Wallet to any QR code, contact, and UPI ID.

How to pay using Pocket UPI?

Tap on the scan icon.

Scan the recipient’s QR code or enter the name/phone number/UPI ID in the bottom bar.

Enter the desired amount.

Choose Pocket UPI from the drop-down menu.

Tap on confirm payment.

Once the payment is made, MobiKwik will send you an alert via text message to confirm the payment along with the remaining balance in your Wallet.

To learn more about how Pocket UPI works, please take a look at our blog. You can also check out this video to see Pocket UPI in action: Know how to use Pocket UPI.

About MobiKwik

MobiKwik is a fintech company that is a comprehensive provider of financial products and services. Our products range from payments to digital credit and investments, enabling our users to meet their financial needs.

Founded in 2008 by Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku, MobiKwik has grown to serve over 146.94 million registered users across India, with a merchant network of over 3.81 million as of September 30, 2023.

SBI Life & Lucknow Super Giants Unveil The Spectacular Larger-Than-Life ‘Helmet’ Installation At Ekana Cricket Stadium

* The enormously large helmet, prominently installed at the Ekana Cricket Stadium is symbolic of the importance of protection, both on and off-field

SBI Life Insurance, one of the most trusted private life insurers in the country, along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), inaugurated the spectacular ‘larger-than-life’ helmet installation at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the team's home ground in Lucknow. The helmet installation, measuring an impressive 27 feet in height and 34 feet in width is prominently placed right at the main entrance of the stadium serving as a visual treat for the visiting cricket fans and also the larger populace around the city.

The objective behind this grand scale of the imposing helmet structure is to raise awareness around the need & importance of life insurance by spurring progressive conversation around the significance of protection on-field & off-field. Capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts, the unique structure aims to convey that ‘Life Protection Se Bada Kuch Nahi’ to the locals of Lucknow city, emphasizing on protecting one’s life with necessary safeguard against uncertainties. 

Unveiling of the ‘larger-than-life’ helmet was graced by Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communication & CSR, SBI Life Insurance, along with Mr. Salmantaj Jafer Taj Patil, DCP Traffic, Lucknow; Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Dixit, DCP Women Crime Safety, Lucknow; Mr. Rahul Rahi, Regional Director- Lucknow, SBI Life Insurance and Keshav Maharaj, LSG player in presence of other respected dignitaries.

Being the Official Lead Helmet Partner of Lucknow Super Giants, SBI Life aims to underscore the poignant parallel between the protective function of a helmet on the cricket field and the vital role of insurance in protecting the financial future of individuals & their loved ones off-the field. Just like a helmet protects the player from any potential setbacks on the field so that they can play confidently and achieve their team’s target without worrying about the risks. Similarly, life insurance plays the role of an enabler which allows individuals to confidently pursue their dreams & aspirations while simultaneously safeguarding the needs of their loved ones, in case of uncertain events.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communication & CSR, SBI Life Insurance said, "Introducing the concept of protection to cricket enthusiasts, the monumental ‘larger-than-life’ helmet installation at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow serves as a powerful conversation starter. It epitomizes the message that  'Life Ki Protection Se Bada Kuch Nahi’, which echoes our brand purpose of liberating individuals to fulfil their dreams while taking care of familial responsibilities. Cricket is beyond a sport, it is an interplay of historical, cultural, economic & emotional factors, thus it provides an opportunity to connect with the larger fanbase of this amazing sport and spur meaningful conversations on the importance of protection, both on and off field. With the current rate of insurance penetration in India, it is crucial to continue our efforts about raising awareness around the need & importance of insurance to build a secured financial future. Our collaboration with LSG is an effort to foster meaningful engagement with the cricket enthusiasts across the country and liberate them to pursue their passion. " He further added, "We believe this association seamlessly illustrates the synergies between the importance of insurance and helmet, highlighting the significance of protection both on and off the field. We are thrilled about our journey with Lucknow Super Giants and anticipate a season filled with exhilarating performances. As we continue to promote insurance awareness across the country, we will hope that our efforts translate in actions taken by the cricket enthusiasts towards protecting the future of their loved ones through life insurance”.

The helmet, one of the most visible assets in cricket, offers an extraordinary opportunity for SBI Life to symbolically emphasize the commitment to championing protection and igniting positive change, especially for the cricket fans nationwide. Just as a helmet shields the player from on-field risks, life insurance provides financial security, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams without holding back.

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,028 offices, 24,060 employees, a large and productive network of about 243,590 agents, 74 corporate agents and 14 bancassurance partners with more than 41,000 partner branches, 150 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2022-23, the Company touched over 1.1 lakh direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange ('BSE') and the National Stock Exchange ('NSE'), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs. 3,714.1 billion.

For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended December 31, 2023).

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Honoured With ‘Commendation For Significant Achievement’, Under Its CSR, AtTthe 18th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards

Recently, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) was recognised for its best CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) practices under the category ‘Commendation for Significant Achievement’ presented at the 18th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards. This is a testament to the company’s relentless social efforts and the robust framework for CSR governance and its successful implementation. 

For this award, the TKM CSR activities were evaluated by the CII-ITC assessors under the defined parameters that included Learning & Innovation adopted across all its CSR projects. The company’s social initiatives demonstrated strong alignment with these parameters. Furthermore, as a part of its CSR implementation process, TKM conducts periodic internal assessment overseen by a board-level CSR committee, to actively monitor and comprehensively measure the impacts, ensuring objectivity, credibility, and commitment to compliance. Over the years, the company has implemented diverse assessment tools and systems to evaluate its performance and bolster community enhancement and environmental stewardship through sustained initiatives.

Notably, TKM's CSR strategy embodies a dual focus on "Empowering Communities" and "Enriching Environment". Driven by innovation and guided by the principle of Kaizen (continuous improvement), TKM's CSR projects are organized into six key pillars: Skill Development, Road Safety, Education, Environment, Health & Hygiene, and Disaster Management. Additionally, its sustainable CSR model emphasizes community ownership, unified interventions, behaviour change, and stakeholder engagement.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Governance, TKM, said, “At TKM, we are honoured to receive the 18th CII-ITC Sustainability Award. We firmly believe in the strong connect and the inclusivity that lies between business growth and societal progress. With a keen eye on enduring interventions, we are focused on catalysing positive behavioural changes especially through our child to community approach.  Our continuous efforts are to actively engage with communities, understand their unique needs, aspirations, and challenges and tailor well thought programs to address the specific issues faced by them with sustainability at the core.

TKM has been successful in attaining sustainability in CSR by incorporating long-term strategic planning, engaging stakeholders to collaborate & support, timely project executions, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the project progressions, thereby aid the absolute community necessities.

This award reaffirms Toyota’s commitment to driving positive change and making a meaningful difference in the lives of people and the community. So far, we have achieved an outreach of over 2.3 million beneficiaries through our various social interventions. As we continue to evolve and adapt, we remain committed to optimal resource allocation and gauging effectiveness of all our CSR projects to enable stronger and meaningful interventions for the societal development.”

Rooted in Toyota's global vision, TKM's CSR programs are dedicated to fostering a resilient and sustainable society.

Simpl Expands Its Integration With Zomato; Goes Live On Zomato Gold, Intercity Legends And Zomato Everyday With Its 1-Tap Checkout

*       Expansion is to address the growing number of consumers seeking checkout convenience

*       Growth to be driven by increasing number of customers coming online and seeking convenience in checkouts

*       Simpl has recorded over 100 million checkouts during 2017-2023 on Zomato

India’s foremost Checkout Network, Simpl today announced an expansion of its partnership with food ordering and delivery platform Zomato, to integrate its 1-Tap Checkout with Zomato Gold, Intercity Legends and Zomato Everyday. This is intended to enhance convenience for millions of customers across the country while improving conversions, and increasing average order value apart from driving user retention among other areas on the platform.

This expansion is also in line with Zomato’s larger vision of bringing better food for customers, conveniently. Through these integrations, millions of new and existing customers are expected to use Simpl’s 1-Tap Checkout on Zomato to fulfil an array of needs, thereby expanding the serviceable user base for both companies.  This assumes significance as Simpl has crossed 100 million checkouts on Zomato in six years since 2017, indicating strong consumer preference for convenience at the checkout stage.

It will also be driven by a growing number of customers from tier-3 and beyond cities going online, along with increasing frequency of orders from customers in metro and tier-1,2 cities. Complemented by an increasing number of customers seeking convenience online with Simpl’s 1-Tap Checkout, both companies are expecting to significantly bolster their customer base over the next couple of years.

Commenting on the expansion of the partnership, Nitya Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Simpl said, “Convenience is becoming a real differentiator in e-commerce today after selection and affordability, particularly with respect to food ordering and delivery, where customers transact more frequently than for any other category. This necessitates the need for a hassle free checkout solution which offers near zero transaction failures and a 1-Tap experience. These fundamentals have driven more than 100 million transactions on Zomato till date and we are excited to cater to a larger customer base with the Zomato Gold, Intercity Legends and Zomato Everyday, helping further deepen our presence in this space”.   

The checkout success rate via Simpl’s 1-Tap on Zomato stands at a staggering 99%, in a testament to customers’ willingness to increasingly use 1-Tap Checkout for added convenience. Simpl’s Checkout contribution on the platform has also grown significantly over the last five years, with spends per user via 1-Tap checkout growing by nearly 27x since 2018. The 2024 New Year's Eve saw the highest-ever single transaction of Rs 18,807 through Simpl’s 1-Tap Checkout on Zomato.

Rakesh Ranjan, Chief Executive Officer, Food Delivery, Zomato said, “Our endeavour is to deliver exceptional and convenient customer experience at all times. Simpl has been our long standing partner and the integration across offerings has allowed us to extend 1-Tap access to our customers, making their interaction with the platform seamless and hassle free".

Simpl’s 1-Tap Checkout, which is available across 26,000 merchants,  offers the convenience of a checkout in a single tap with near zero transaction failures and is preferred by millions of consumers. Currently, several large enterprises and emerging Direct-to-Customer (D2C) merchants in the food and hyperlocal delivery space offer Simpl’s 1-Tap Checkout to millions of their customers across the country.

About Simpl

Simpl is India’s foremost Merchant First Checkout Network, making payments invisible and money intelligent. Simpl is on a mission to empower merchants to build trusted relationships with customers, one transaction at a time. With more than 26,000 available merchants and millions of approved users pan-India, Simpl envisions creating a frictionless and inclusive digital payments experience for India that empowers and fosters trust between merchants and their customers.

Vistara Upgrades The Experience On Delhi-Bali Route With Its State-Of-The-Art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Encouraged by strong demand on the route and anticipated uptick in the upcoming summer season, Vistara - India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, today announced that it will be deploying its distinguished Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the Delhi – Bali route, effective 31 March 2024. Vistara launched daily, non-stop flights on this route in December 2023, operated thus far by its A321LR aircraft, and has been the only airline offering direct flights between the two cities.

Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering a spacious, three-class cabin configuration, is equipped with a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system with live TV as well as in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. It also features lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration that gives direct aisle access to each customer.

Mr. Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara said, “We are delighted to announce the deployment of our state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for flights between Delhi and Bali. This strategic decision to increase capacity underscores Vistara's commitment to optimizing operations in response to the remarkable performance of the Delhi – Bali route and the constant surge in demand for direct connectivity between India and Indonesia. With top-notch amenities, enhanced comfort complemented with sumptuous inflight meals and exceptional service, we are confident that our customers will appreciate the choice of experiencing Vistara’s Dreamliner when flying on this route.”

Vistara accepts all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings. Bookings for the flights are open on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally while also being recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row at the coveted World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax. Vistara has also been recognised with World’s 4th Youngest Aircraft Fleet and Asia’s 2nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet awards in 2024 by ch-aviation.

About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited): TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). Vistara brings together Tata's and SIA's legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer India's finest full-service flying experience. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on 9 January 2015 to set new standards in the aviation industry in India, and it today connects destinations across India and abroad. The airline currently has a fleet of 69 aircraft, including 53 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321, and 6 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and has flown more than 50 million customers since starting operations.

For more information about Vistara, visit www.airvistara.com

The National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) Has An Upcoming Festival NCPA@thePark In Bengaluru- At Freedom Park

You will be treated to an exciting blend of performances across music, dance & spoken word at Freedom Park in the heart of the city. With free entry on a first-come-first-served basis, what are you waiting for? Register now!         

The evening of 30th March begins with a performance by the country’s first and only professional orchestra—the Symphony Orchestra of India. You’ll hear works by Mozart, Johann Strauss and more, as well as some popular tunes you’re sure to recognise. Spoken word and music by UnErase Poetry will follow. Simar Singh, Priyanshi Bansal and Vanika Sangtani, accompanied by musician Abhin Joshi, will present stories about love, hope and life.    

31st March features Ratikant Mohapatra’s Srjan performing ‘Deesha - Navigating the journey of forging new horizons’, a neo-classical Odissi performance. Ending the weekend is a set by Darren Das & The Sixth Sense, who will have you grooving to the best of pop, retro, rock n roll and classic rock. 

Israel Aerospace Industries Launches AeroSpace Services India (ASI), Furthering Its Presence In India

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense company, has opened AeroSpace Services India (ASI), its Indian subsidiary in New Delhi. The opening of ASI is a strong demonstration of IAI's strong collaboration with the Indian government’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'- MAKE IN INDIA vision. This also shows the commitment to the strong partnership between IAI and DRDO in developing and supporting advanced systems for the Indian armed forces.

ASI trades in Indian Rupees and is the sole authorized OEM’s Technical Representative for the entire Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. MRSAM is an advanced and innovative air and missile defense system that provides ultimate protection against a variety of aerial platforms. It is used by the Indian army, air force and navy. The system includes an advanced phased array radar, command and control, mobile launchers, and interceptors with advanced RF seeker. MRSAM is jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for the Indian forces.

IAI's President and CEO, Boaz Levy: “IAI proudly presents ASI as our first major milestone towards India’s ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT vision on self-reliance. INDIA & ISRAEL’s partnership has witnessed state-of-the-art achievement. This growth and development will create history when our two nations will foster IAI’s technology and India’s talent and expertise in the Defence sector. Together we will make Bharat ATMANIRBHAR”

“Over the past 30 years, IAI has worked closely with our Indian partners collaborating on some of the latest technologies. Our new ASI office will allow us to further that commitment,” said Danny Lauber, CEO Aerospace Services India (ASI). “We have a fabulous team of local professionals, and we are working together with our partners in the public and private sectors on the ground.”

ASI boasts a workforce of approximately 50 employees, with 97% being Indian nationals. Headquartered in Delhi, ASI's strategically located branches extend its services across the entirety of the Indian subcontinent, reaffirming its commitment to nationwide coverage and customer satisfaction.

With its new facilities on the ground, ASI can significantly reduce turnaround times for repairs and service operations, ensuring swift and efficient support to our esteemed customers. Additionally, by operating locally, ASI is committed to reducing the cost of services and repairs, thereby providing tangible benefits to its valued customers.

Photo Caption:  Mr. Oded Yaakobovitc Chairman of the Board Aerospace Services India (ASI), Mr. Boaz Levy President and CEO Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) and  Mr. Danny Lauber, CEO Aerospace Services India (ASI).