Business AI Take Center Stage At SAP Inside Track With 1800+ Participants

* SIT was held at SAP Labs India’s Bengaluru campus

SAP Labs India hosted today the second edition of Bengaluru SAP Inside Track (SIT) for 2024 – a grassroots community event for SAP Community members to come together and share knowledge about SAP-related topics. With participation from over 1800+ community members, the event saw a huge turnout of customers, partners, and freelancers. Industry leaders from companies such as Tech Mahindra, Amazon, Bosch, EY, LTI Mindtree, TCS, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India were part of the event.

This edition of SIT emphasised on Business AI, reflecting its growing significance in the technology landscape. Participants were offered deep dives into how AI is integrated across various SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) services, and they also learnt how to build custom AI applications on SAP BTP by leveraging SAP solutions and the power of Large Language Models (LLMs).

Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India, and Head, Customer Innovation Services, SAP, commented, “SAP Inside Track is more than just an event; it's a celebration of our vibrant SAP community in India. This edition of SIT is focused on showcasing AI innovations and fostering AI ideation, aimed at offering the SAP community fresh insights into harnessing AI for business success. SAP Inside Track provides an exceptional platform for end users to forge connections, stay abreast of the latest SAP advancements, and gain recognition for groundbreaking technical achievements. We are dedicated to nurturing this vibrant community so the next generation of SAP experts can thrive and make impactful contributions.”

Valued customer Aashish Kshetry, CIO & VP of Information Technology at Asian Paints, and esteemed partners Eishwinder Ratra, SAP Practice Lead, Accenture Technology Centres, Hemlata Vedula, Partner Consulting at Deloitte, joined Sindhu on stage to discuss collaborative innovation and the strength of their partnership with SAP. They shared insights into how AI is transforming their organizations and the strategic approaches they have taken to successfully adopt AI solutions.

Participants gained valuable insights from SAP customers and partners on how they leveraged SAP's AI to create impactful applications. Dedicated tracks for developers and architects provided hands-on opportunities to try out SAP's latest AI features and capabilities. AI Pods showcased demos and updates on a variety of AI offerings throughout the day, featuring contributions from partners and customers. A standout feature was the App Space, which offered expert-led hands-on sessions on core SAP BTP concepts. Participants in the App Space built 400+ SAP-based applications, showcasing the practical implementation of AI in business scenarios.

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as a sustainable intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 87% of the world’s total global commerce touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into sustainable intelligent enterprises. We help by providing people and organizations with deep business insights and foster collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. SAP simplifies technology for companies so they can consume SAP software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

Enterprise AI Platform Glean Technologies Debuts its India Presence

* Company marking this launch to solidify its position as the only cutting-edge global AI company with significant operations based in Bengaluru

Leading enterprise AI platform Glean Technologies, Inc. based in Palo Alto, California, announces the launch of their first office in India, located in Bengaluru. The office will be the center of operations for India, and will house Finance, Sales, R&D and business operations functions.  This innovation site will play a key role in enabling Glean’s customers to deploy GenAI assistants and applications at scale globally.

Glean’s launch in Bengaluru underscores its commitment to empowering Indian enterprises through advanced AI technologies. The company has so far raised $350mn+ from top VCs that include General Catalyst, Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed and others and is currently valued at $2.2B+. Additionally, Glean's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) is growing at an impressive rate of 300% year over year.

Located at the heart of Namma Bengaluru, Glean Technology, Inc’s new office spanning ~26,000 Sq.ft, features a dedicated cafeteria, a games room, and collaboration of spaces. The space is chosen to accommodate the company’s headcount growth for the coming years and fosters a an environment conducive to innovation and growth. The inauguration of the facility was followed by CEO’s address to the media at an exclusive press conference, where he shared the vision for AI innovation in India, the capabilities of its platform, and the impact on local industries. The event was also graced by Garvit Juniwal (R&D - Site Lead, Product lead), Vivek S (R&D - AI lead), Tapas Satapathy (Head of people) and partners, customers and employees of Glean Technologies, Inc.

Investment in India Operations: Glean Technologies is actively expanding its customer base in the APAC region, forging partnerships with leading enterprise companies, including a top Southeast Asian commercial bank, the leading ridesharing platform in the region, a global electronics and entertainment company, and a global automotive manufacturer. In a short span of time, the company has grown multi-folds and now boast of representing almost all corporate functions of the company in India.

Headcount and Hiring Plans: The Company plans to triple their headcount to over 450 (3X) from 150 by next year highlighting the ongoing annual growth aligned with Glean Technology Inc’s ambitious roadmap. Glean is establishing itself as a day 0 employer at the top 5 IITs—B, D, K, M, Kgp. Since December 2023, the company has already recruited 12 top students and plans to expand its hiring efforts moving forward.

Technological Expertise and Roadmap for the Next Five Years: As the leading provider of secure, trustworthy generative AI for enterprises, Glean’s roadmap for the next five years is ambitious and focused on advancing the frontiers of generative AI and agentic automation. Since introducing its platform offering in preview, in an effort to help companies build custom generative AI apps and agents securely at scale, more than 100 companies have created and deployed more than 1,000 unique AI apps and agents. The company has seen continued demand from enterprises that are looking for generative AI solutions that meet their stringent security, data governance, and permissions requirements.

While addressing the media, Arvind Jain, Founder and CEO at Glean Technologies, Inc said, “We are thrilled to establish our presence in India, especially in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of the country, and a market with immense potential and a steady demand for advanced AI solutions. Our Bengaluru office will enable us to closely collaborate with Indian enterprises, helping them unlock the full potential of their knowledge through our state-of-the-art AI platform. Additionally, this office will serve as a crucial hub for our global operations, driving a significant portion of our international projects. In fact, it will be our biggest investment outside of the US."

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Unveils “Golden Years Pension Plan With Bluechip Pension Fund”

Select from the Classic or Golden Waiver of Premium options

Get Early Investment Booster for an early start between age 18-35

Flexibility to choose premium payment option

Guaranteed Loyalty Booster to boost investment

Limited Time Offer: Flat NAV of Rs 10 per unit on Bluechip Pension Fund

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, launches its newest offerings: Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan with Bluechip Pension Fund. This plan offers a comprehensive solution to secure the financial futures of policyholders, ensuring your retirement years are comfortable and fun.

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan is a Unit Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Pension Plan designed for retirement security. The plan offers two first-of-its-kind features: the Early Investment Booster, which provides additional allocations to encourage early retirement planning for those aged 18-35, and the Golden Waiver of Premium, which helps in retirement corpus accumulation for policyholders' loved ones even after their demise. It allows entry ages of 18-70 years for the Classic Option and up to 60 years for the Golden Waiver of Premium Option.

The Bluechip Pension Fund invests in listed equities and aims to generate high returns by investing in established and emerging bluechip stocks that have a good track record. The Fund aims to diversify risk by investing in stocks across multiple sectors and making it an excellent choice for a secure and prosperous retirement.

Khushali Girish, Deputy Vice President & Head of Products at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce the Golden Years Pension Plan, a product meticulously crafted to cater to the unique retirement needs of our Indian customers. This plan embodies innovation and a futuristic outlook with features like the Early Investment Booster, which aims to encourage young individuals aged 18 to 35 to start their retirement planning early by providing additional units. The Golden Waiver of Premium option ensures future premiums are waived, thereby safeguarding the retirement plans of the policyholder's loved ones in case of an unfortunate event. We believe this plan will set a new benchmark in retirement planning and provide peace of mind to countless families across the country."

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan also offers a Guaranteed Loyalty Booster which is added annually with timely premium payments and an active policy status. To add, the Premium Allocation charges are returned, enhancing the value of the plan. In case of the policyholder's death, beneficiaries receive 105% of total premiums paid, and future premiums are waived under the Golden Waiver of Premium Option.

The Bluechip Pension Fund is a new fund offering which would be launched with a limited time offer of flat NAV of Rs 10 per unit. It invests in equities, reverse repos treasury bills and mutual funds amongst others. The fund based on market outlook, aims for steady returns through active management, diversification, and a blend of growth and value investing.

With this new offering, Ageas Federal Life Insurance will provide robust financial solutions for a secure and fun retirement. Designed to transform retirement into a chapter of freedom and fun these plans help policyholders seize every moment of their golden years with confidence, promising a brighter and more secure future.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Releases Vehicle Retail Data for June'24 for Karnataka

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for June'24 for the State of Karnataka.

June'24 Retails

Commenting on how June'24 performed, FADA Karnataka State Chairperson, Mr Dharma Teja G said, “The month of June 24 has faced some demand challenges in segments like CV, PV and tractors despite better availability. This was primarily due to dip in rural demand and tightening of credit on the rural side by financiers. 3W and 2 W have registered a growth of 24% & 4% respectively.”

Disclaimer:

The All India numbers above do not have figures from TS & LD.

Vehicle Retail Data has been collated as on 03.07.24 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and has been gathered from 1,567 out of 1,700 RTOs.

Motorola Launches “Moto Razr 50 Ultra”; Disrupts The Foldable Smartphone Market In India

Key Highlights

The motorola razr 50 ultra is the world’s first flip phone that comes with the largest external display offering users a more immersive viewing experience on the 4.0" external display and also comes with the fastest refresh rate of 165 Hz and the highest resolution in its class.

The external display is also the most intelligent on a flip phone9 – giving access to Google’s Gemini – a personal AI assistant - directly from its external display.

razr users will also receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Google’s most capable AI models, at no extra cost. They’ll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and more—all included in the Google One AI Premium plan – worth approximately Rs. 1950/month.

When flipped open, the motorola razr 50 ultra reveals a 6.9" pOLED   display that’s smooth to the touch and is also the largest, virtually creaseless internal display on a flip phone.

The motorola razr 50 ultra is also equipped with moto ai features seamlessly integrated to elevate user interactions, offering them effortless content creation, phone personalization and accomplishing more in less time

The razr 50 ultra also comes equipped with the best razr camera system yet, effortlessly capturing stunning photos and videos with advanced camera technology powered by moto ai. Some key AI features included in the camera are 30X AI Super Zoom, AI Action Shot, AI Adaptive Stabilization, Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking and much more.

The razr 50 ultra is also the most durable razr yet with support for IPX8 underwater protection, Gorilla Glass Victus protection and has been successfully tested for over 600,000 folds.

The motorola razr 50 ultra in India comes with the unique proposition of the incredible moto buds+ (worth Rs 9,999) in-box - Motorola’s premium TWS headsets with sound by Bose.

The motorola razr 50 ultra, available in a single 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage variant will go on sale in India starting 20th July at an incredibly effective price of just Rs. 89,999* (including an introductory early bird price of Rs. 94,999 plus a Rs. 5000 Bank discount) across Amazon, Reliance Digital, motorola.in and leading retail outlets across India.

Consumers can also pre-reserve the Motorola razr 50 ultra on Amazon as well as Retail stores starting 10th July 2024.

Consumers can also own the razr 50 ultra starting at just Rs. 5,000 per months with No cost EMI options from leading banks.

Consumers can also avail benefits worth Rs. 15,000 from Reliance Jio.

Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation, today has flipped the script of foldable smartphone technology yet again with the launch of its most advanced smartphone in the razr franchise, the “motorola razr 50 ultra”. This flip phone highlights Motorola’s commitment to evolution and excellence with its various industry leading features such as the largest, most intelligent external display of any flip phone.

Imagine a world where your smartphone isn't just a device, but a personal assistant, creative studio, and productivity powerhouse all in one. By collaborating with Google, Motorola has turned this vision a reality by bringing AI-driven experiences and convenient features to the new motorola razr 50 ultra.

For the first time, razr users can access Gemini¹ directly from the external display. Google’s Gemini app is a personal AI assistant to supercharge your creativity and productivity. Whether users need step-by-step instructions for a new project, help planning trips and activities, or assistance in writing thank-you notes or emails. Gemini can even help brainstorm ideas for enhancing daily life and seamlessly access information from Google apps and services like Maps, YouTube, Flights, Gmail, and Drive. Gemini is always there to provide support.

Plus, motorola razr 50 ultra users will receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Google’s most capable AI models, at no extra cost. They’ll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and more—all included in the Google One AI Premium plan.

To further improve the external display experience on the new razr devices, we’ve added access to Google Photos. This allows users to view, delete, favorite, or share photos or videos stored locally or in the cloud without opening their phone, making it easier to access memories and find photos quickly. Google Photos will soon offer Ask Photos, a new way to search photos with Gemini. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

When it's time to edit these photos, users can open the new razr and use the latest AI-powered editing tools in Google Photos including Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and more.

Users can also reimagine daily tasks - like texting - with a few unique features that are built into Google Messages. Photomoji transforms their favorite photos into personalized emojis and stickers, adding a visual flair to messages. And with Magic Compose², users can receive suggested texting responses in various styles like Excited, Chill, Formal, and Short, enabling them to get creative with their messages.

The motorola razr 50 ultra allows users to flip less and do more with its largest and most intelligent external display. Offering them a more immersive viewing experience on the 4.0" external display which also comes with the fastest refresh rate and the highest resolution in its class. It comes protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus to prevent unwanted scratches and potential damages. With an incredibly smooth and fluid refresh rate of up to 165Hz, users can switch between apps and websites with incredible smoothness. Moreover, the external display boasts of a 1272x1080 high-resolution screen which provides breathtaking clarity and over a billion shades of 10-bit color with a 25% wider color range thanks to HDR10+ certification and DCI-P3 support. The smartphone’s high brightness mode automatically adjusts the external display outdoors for improved visibility and is capable of reaching maximum brightness levels of 1500 nits. Its HDR peak brightness can reach up to 2400 nits. The larger display allows users to scroll through a better organized, streamlined content layout with the convenience of replying to messages, playing fun games, getting directions with Google Maps, taking selfies, or even giving friends a preview of their pose.

When flipped open, the motorola razr 50 ultra reveals a 6.9" pOLED display that’s smooth to the touch and is also the largest and virtually creaseless internal display on a flip phone. Similar to the external screen, users can immerse themselves in infinite contrast of deeper blacks and richer colors and view over a billion shades of 10-bit color. Plus, with HDR10+ certification and 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, users can watch shows and movies in true-to-life colors that meet the industry’s latest standards for accuracy. High Brightness Mode automatically adjusts brightness to 1500 nits, which can also reach up to 3000 nits with HDR. The refresh rate can adjust from 1Hz to 165Hz effectively reducing stutter and ghosting in compatible games, putting users a step ahead of the competition.

The razr 50 ultra comes equipped with the best razr camera system yet, effortlessly capturing stunning photos and videos with advanced camera technology powered by moto ai. The AI features included in the camera are, AI Action Shot which quickly takes blur-free photos even if the subject is in motion, AI Adaptive Stabilization that uses AI to recognize movement while filming, and dynamically adjusts the stabilization level for the best results while Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking automatically focuses on the primary subject without manually selecting it. Additionally, the AI Photo Enhancement Engine improves the dynamic range, boosting the ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of an image while delivering finer image details, which is essential when zooming. Moreover, its 50MP high-res camera delivers outstanding low-light performance that can capture with 32x more focusing pixels using Instant All-Pixel PDAF and provide faster, more accurate performance no matter the lighting conditions. Its Optical image stabilization (OIS) automatically compensates against blurred images and videos due to unwanted camera movement, so even when exposure takes longer, clarity and detail shine through. Additionally, the smartphone also features an exceptional 50MP telephoto camera for incredible portraits and with 2x optical and 30X AI Super zoom capability plus machine learning algorithm for high quality photos.

The new photo booth feature captures gorgeous selfies in different poses and pictures timed perfectly for each pose, with a simple open palm gesture. Color Optimization analyzes a scene to deliver enhanced segmented tuning. It detects the sky, skin, hair, clothes, grass, etc., and optimizes the colors for each one individually. It can also record and play breathtaking videos in 4K resolution that meet strict HDR10+ standards for color accuracy, color range, brightness, and contrast. While Auto Night Vision improves the lighting of nighttime photos automatically. After capturing a 10-bit RAW image, the Image Signal Processor (ISP) converts the file to a JPEG and the result is a low-light photo with reduced noise and increased clarity. Other modes and features include Video Night Vision, Dual Capture, Mirror Mode, Tilt Shift Mode, and Portrait Mode among others.

The moto ai is not limited to the cameras. The smartphone boasts of numerous AI features such as Style Sync and Magic Canvas with AI Generative Theming along with exceptional AI powered cameras. Style sync can generate wallpapers and themes that match the unique styles of each user with just a photo of their outfit or any interesting pattern. While the Magic Canvas feature can turn imagination into stunning visuals with just a text prompt and screenshots with an auto-blur function to protect sensitive content in screenshots.

This latest iteration of the flip phone that changed everything is now even more compact and comfortable allowing flipping open or shutting easily with just one hand thanks to the redesigned hinge. The motorola razr 50 ultra is built to last, that’s why Motorola has put the screen and hinge through rigorous stress tests, ensuring they’ll withstand use for the life of the phone. The gapless, creaseless design with perfectly contoured edges comes with durable Corning ® Gorilla® Glass Victus and IPX8-rated underwater protection. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus keeps the external display safe from drops and scratches. While IPX8-rated underwater protection means motorola razr 50 ultra can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Plus, the display is specially designed to respond to every touch, tap, and swipe even when wet – with smart water touch capability. The phone can be folded into a camcorder to record videos owing to Flex View, which lets users fold their phone at multiple angles, and display their content using tent mode or stand mode on the large external display. The smartphone will also be available in vegan leather finish in 3 Pantone Curated colors.

The motorola razr 50 ultra features the latest Snapdragon® 8s Gen 3 mobile platform, so it’s even faster and more efficient than the previous generation. Generating speeds up to 3GHz for faster multitasking and improved efficiency. The supercharged Qualcomm® AI Engine enables on-device AI at swift speeds with support for multi-modal models, including 30+ large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs). It also features up to 12GB of the latest generation LPDDR5X memory, the fastest available, and the latest 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. Along with blazing-fast 5G speeds today, and provisions for WiFi 7 networks of tomorrow.

In terms of the battery performance, the motorola razr 50 ultra can go a full day and night on a single charge of the 4000mAh battery. Owing to the 45W TurboPower™  consumers can get power for a day in about 12 minutes3. It also comes with the freedom of 15W wireless charging and users can also share power with other devices using reverse charging.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India said “Being the pioneers of flip phone technology, we have once again set a new standard in the segment with the launch of the most intelligent flip smartphone- razr 50 ultra. This cutting-edge device embodies our relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, bringing together exceptional design, AI technology, remarkable functionality, and unrivaled user experience. We are confident that the razr50 ultra will not only redefine the future of foldable smartphones but also exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”

Ranjit Babu, Director, Wireless and Home Entertainment, Amazon India added “The Motorola Razr 40 ultra was our first launch for Prime Day last year, leading to significant acceptance among customers that wanted an innovative fold form factor. This year, we will have the widest line-up of new smartphones ever launched during Prime Day, and the Motorola Razr continues to have pride of place in our lineup. On July 20 till 21, Prime customers will not only get their hands on the newly launched Motorola razr 50 ultra, but will also have access to attractive no cost EMI, bank and other offers- on Amazon.in, India’s most trusted destination for smartphones.”

Users can enjoy an intuitive, personalized, and secure experience like no other with the new Hello UI with Android 14. They can easily customize their device by choosing fonts, colors, and icons, using intuitive gestures like twist and tap to control different features, or launching their favorite apps. Even set limits on screen time and control access to apps, so kids can learn and play in a safe, dedicated space. Hello UI features include, Moto Gestures, Moto Secure with Thinkshield, Family Spaces, and Moto Unplugged. Smart Connect seamlessly unites multiple devices, enabling effortless task transitions across phone, tablet and PC’s making it a key component for a unified and efficient digital life. Within Smart Connect, users will get multiple functionalities like Swipe to Share, Cross Device Control, Context Aware Phone, Universal Clipboard, Share Hub, App Stream and much more. Each with its own unique advantages designed to facilitate seamless integration.

Apart from this, the motorola razr 50 ultra also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® and 20% louder sound and 25% stronger bass. Dolby Atmos® unlock new levels of emotion in user’s favorite songs, drawing them closer to the artists they love. Plus, Dolby Atmos® features Spatial Audio, an enhanced experience where sound can flow around them in a virtual space. The smart power amplifier ensures that even louder audio won’t crack, and since the speakers are working together, sound travels from one to the other to match the action on screen. Additionally, the motorola razr50 ultra offers 3 OS updates and 4 years of security patches with Moto Elite Care benefits.

Finally, the smartphone will come with Moto buds+ worth Rs 9,999 and boasting Sound by Bose within the box, with an eco-friendly packaging.

Availability:

The Motorola razr 50 Ultra will be available in a single 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage variant, in 3 stunning pantone curated colours, namely – Midnight Blue, Spring Green and Colour of the year 2024 – Peach Fuzz.

The product will go on sale, starting 20th July 2024 and will be available for pre-reserve 10th July onwards on Amazon, Reliance Digital, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India.

Pricing:

Motorola razr 50 Ultra (12GB + 512GB)

Launch Price: INR 99,999

Limited Period – Early Bird Pricing: INR 94,999*

Effective price including Bank offer: INR 89,999*

Offers:

Limited period – Early Bird offer: INR 5,000 flat discount

Instant Bank Discount worth INR 5,000 + No Cost EMI starting INR 5,000/month from leading banks

INR 15,000 worth benefits from Reliance Jio. See details at  https://www.jio.com/en-in/jio-motorola-razr50ultra-offer-2024

3 months of Google Gemini Advanced Subscription along with 2TB of cloud storage space.

UPI Goes Live At Galeries Lafayette’s Flagship Store In Paris

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in partnership with Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity payments, is delighted to enable the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Haussmann, Paris. Known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-class shopping, Paris is a favourite destination among Indian tourists. This new integration allows them to make secure and convenient UPI transactions at this historic luxury department store, enhancing their overall Parisian experience.

Following the successful implementation of UPI for online ticket booking at the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette becomes the second major French merchant to enable UPI under the NIPL-Lyra partnership. The official announcement was made in Paris in the presence of His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, along with distinguished guests including Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group.

This partnership will benefit multitude of Indian tourists visiting Paris every year, allowing them to use UPI, their favored payment method, at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette flagship store. The integration of UPI ensures effortless shopping and seamless transactions through UPI-powered apps, enhancing the memorability of their visit to Paris. By simply scanning QR code at the store, Indian tourists can complete their payments with transparency in exchange rates.

Recalling the success of UPI launch at the Eiffel Tower in January 2024 and the meeting hosted for potential merchants with NPCI International in February 2024, Ambassador Jawed Ashraf welcomed the quick conclusion of the agreement and engagement of UPI at the world-famous Galleries Lafayette, specially ahead of the Paris Olympics. Starting July 26, 2024, Paris Olympics is expected to draw large number of Indian visitors. Ambassador hopes this will pave the way for wide acceptance of UPI in France and support its internationalization as a means of digital payments. He thanked NPCI International and Lyra for their cooperation.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International said, “Our collaboration with Galeries Lafayette in Paris not only enables UPI payments at a prestigious venue but also boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists. We are confident that UPI will continue to gain traction as a reliable and efficient payment option, further strengthening its presence in international markets.”

Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra India said, “Lyra is happy to have enable for the first time in Europe the in-store acceptance of UPI in the iconic Department stores Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris. Thanks to the collaboration with NPCI International, Galeries Lafayette and the cash register editor Lundi Matin it has been done in a very short time. One more reason for Indian tourists to come to Paris for the Olympic Games.”

Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette said, "We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian guests and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India. As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolizing our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries."

The integration of UPI at prominent French retail and tourist destinations is set to boost its popularity among European merchants. This initiative aims to broaden UPI’s market presence in France and Europe, driving further growth and adoption as a secure payment solution.

About NPCI International:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2024: Unfold Your Story

Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked on July 10, Samsung has released a new global film to build anticipation for the unveiling of the next frontier of Galaxy AI.

In the newly released video, multiple faces are illuminated by a sliver of light, symbolizing the opening of a whole new world and the unlocking of new possibilities made possible by revolutionary innovation.  Through the campaign, Samsung invites fans around the world to step beyond boundaries and enjoy new, unique experiences.

Be ready to watch the next frontier of Galaxy AI – offering new ways to accelerate creativity, productivity, communication, and much more. Check out the video below to see how Samsung is opening a new world of opportunity and stay tuned until the cutting-edge innovation comes to life.

A new chapter is set to begin with Galaxy AI. Stay tuned on samsungmobilepress.com for more updates and be sure to join us for Galaxy Unpacked on July 10.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.