Tap Smart, Stay Safe With Visa: 5 Tips For Safe Contactless Payments

Contactless payments have the potential to transform the way India pays, from local kirana stores to quick metro rides, it is fast, easy, and secure. To help you tap with confidence, Visa shares practical tips enabling you to use contactless payments safely and efficiently.

Switch on and pay smart: Log into your mobile banking app and switch on contactless transactions. You can also set limits on what limit you want to tap and pay.

Double-check before you tap: Verify the amount on the POS terminal before tapping your card, so you don’t pay the wrong amount in haste at busy, crowded stores.

Keep your PIN ready to pay over ?5,000: Per RBI guidelines, contactless payments up to ?5,000 do not need a PIN. But for amounts above this limit, you can still tap and pay by entering your PIN for hassle-free and quick checkouts.'

Enable tap to pay on your smartphone: Add your Visa contactless card details on popular, trusted digital payment apps and use your NFC enabled phone to tap and pay with confidence.

Enable transaction alerts: Turn on SMS and app notifications so you get instant alerts for every transaction, no matter how small. This helps you spot suspicious charges immediately and alert your bank to stop them.

With Visa’s smart tips, enjoy the speed, convenience and top-class safety of contactless payments.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

The Coca-Cola India Foundation Brings Drinking Water Access To Ayodhya Through New Water ATMs

~Directly connected to the Nagar Nigam municipal water supply, the new installations aim to deliver convenient hydration to residents, pilgrims, and visitors~

~ Advancing community well-being through strengthened water infrastructure and local partnerships ~

In a continued effort to strengthen public access to drinking water infrastructure, Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with SM Sehgal Foundation, a rural development organization, and Ayodhya Nagar Nigam, has supported the installation of community Water ATMs across key locations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. These Water ATMs have been strategically placed in high-footfall areas identified that need reliable water access.  

Each Water ATM is directly connected to the Nagar Nigam municipal supply and supported by overhead storage tanks to ensure continuity. The water passes through Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration and is stored in stainless steel chilled tanks and dispensed through hygienic public taps mounted on the kiosk exteriors—offering easy access to clean drinking water throughout the day for residents and visitors alike.

Rajiv Gupta, Director, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, "Access to drinking water is a fundamental pillar of public health and community well-being. Our partnership with Ayodhya Nagar Nigam and the SM Sehgal Foundation is a strategic initiative that demonstrates our commitment to help improving water accessibility in the region through better infrastructure and local collaboration."

Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO, S M Sehgal Foundation said, "Water is vital, and through our collaboration with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we help create solutions for communities. The installation of water ATMs in Ayodhya marks a significant step towards ensuring access to hydration, especially in a city that welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors each year."

Santosh Sharma, Municipal Commissioner, Ayodhya Nagar Nigam said, "This initiative underscores the positive role of public-private partnerships in enhancing urban infrastructure. Together with Coca-Cola India Foundation, we’re addressing the need for reliable drinking water across key areas in Ayodhya, benefiting both residents and visitors. By strengthening the city’s water access, this effort is a crucial part of our broader commitment to improving civic amenities and ensuring a sustainable, community-centered development."

This latest initiative builds on the foundation’s legacy of water stewardship. Through initiatives like Project Jaldhara, Anandana and the SM Sehgal Foundation have implemented water conservation and access projects across several water-stressed regions including Kolar in Karnataka, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These efforts have included check dam construction, desilting of traditional tanks, and decentralized drinking water systems that have directly benefitted over a million people across India.

In Ayodhya, this effort continues that journey—supporting local governance, easing pressure on existing infrastructure, and enabling safe water access for all, regardless of background or status.

Myopia On The Rise Among School Children In India; Doctors Urge Screen Time Management And Early Intervention

*  4.71% of the children from urban areas in Bengaluru being affected, compared to 3.18% in rural areas

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rising as a common vision concern among children with around 23% of the school-going children in India being affected, and is expected to reach 53% by 2050, according to Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN). As Myopia Awareness Week is observed, ophthalmologists say that many children do not realize they have a vision problem, and parents often find out only when their child starts having trouble in their eye sight in school.

Myopia among children is higher in urban areas. For instance, according to an RGUHS Journal study, 4.71% of the children from urban areas in Bengaluru being affected, compared to 3.18% in rural areas. The chances of getting myopia increase with age — about 13% of children aged 5–8 years were affected, while over 40% of those aged 9–15 years had the condition.

Doctors believe this increase is linked to more screen time and less outdoor play. A recent study published in Jama Network, found that spending even one extra hour per day on smartphones or tablets can raise the risk of myopia by 21%. This highlights the need to monitor children's digital screen use closely.

Dr. Savitha Arun, Director, Medical Superintendent, Quality Assurance Coordinator and Senior Consultant - Anterior Segment & Electrophysiology, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, explains, “We see a significant number of children presenting with undiagnosed vision problems each month — on average, over 100 new patients and around 250 follow-up cases are brought in for complaints related to poor eyesight during the holiday season. Many of these cases turn out to be myopia, which could have been detected much earlier. Often, parents notice signs only when their child starts sitting too close to the television, holds books too near, or complains about not being able to see the board at school. We have observed a steady rise in such cases every month, particularly after extended school holidays or exam seasons, when screen exposure tends to peak.”

One of the key concerns is that myopia often develops silently, with children adapting to reduced vision without realizing it. Blurred distance vision, frequent eye rubbing, or sitting too close to screens or difficulty in reading often go unnoticed, which results in delayed diagnosis.

“Early detection and regular vision screenings are necessary to managing myopia effectively and preventing long-term complications such as high myopia, retinal degeneration, or other vision-threatening conditions. It is recommended for children to undergo comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, particularly between the ages of 5 and 15, when the eyes are still developing and more responsive to corrective measures. In around 35-40% cases, the myopia would have progressed to moderate or high levels by the time their parents take them to us for checkup. Early intervention through spectacles, lifestyle changes like increased outdoor activity, and advanced treatment options can help control progression in children at an early stage,” adds Dr. Savitha Arun.

Myopia Awareness Week is observed annually to raise awareness about this growing epidemic. The theme for this year, ‘Screens Down, Eyes Up’, calls for immediate steps to prevent vision loss among the children by managing screen time and encouraging more time outdoors to help prevent and control myopia progression. Hence, awareness among the parents, educators, and pediatricians all play a crucial role in early detection and diagnosis.

Sweat & Concrete 2025: Bengaluru Exhibition Spotlights Community -Centred Response To Heat Stress

* A People First Cities initiative by Purpose, the exhibition builds on last year’s campaign that brought into sharp focus the issue of heat stress among urban informal workers - construction workers, vendors, construction workers, street vendors, domestic helpers, delivery staff, auto drivers, and lakhs of others who keep the city running

As India faces rising temperatures and intense heat waves, there is a growing conversation on solution-driven strategies to counter this, especially for informal workers and communities living in informal settlements.

In response, a forward-thinking event in Bengaluru is set to confront one of India’s most pressing urban challenges of today: Heat Stress, and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. Organised by People First Cities, an initiative by Purpose, the immersive two-day convening will take place on 29- 30 May at Sabha Space, Bengaluru.

Through storytelling, design innovation, and community engagement, ‘Sweat & Concrete’ aims to spotlight the lived realities of the vulnerable communities most affected by heat, bringing both local and national attention to the crisis and providing a platform for tangible solutions to heat stress by bringing affected communities into the conversation. Unfolding over two days, the event will include interactive tours of the prize-winning heat shelter, an audio-visual exhibition display, speaker panels, performance art pieces, and community engagement initiatives to spark cross-sectoral collaborative dialogue and catalyse actionable solutions for a more climate-resilient urban future.

“Heat Stress, unlike sanitation, or floods, heat is an ‘invisible’ factor - one that impacts people differently based on a variety of factors. And no two cities or human settlements have the same conditions. As a result, participatory research, storytelling and surfacing locally relevant solutions are essential towards building a more inclusive, resilient, enduring response to the rising heat in cities - especially high-growth, high-density cities which are expanding rapidly” - Sonali Bhasin & Kanishk Kabiraj, People First Cities Initiative

At the heart of the event is the interactive exhibit of a working prototype of ‘The Neralu Heat Shelter’, conceptualised by architects and urban planners Sagar & Ankrtiya. The design was the winning entry in a heat shelter design contest last year, conceptualised and run by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology & the Environment (ATREE), and has been prototyped for the first time for this exhibition. Inspired by how informal workers (for whom the road is in many ways also their place of work) use trees, and make-shift covers that provide critical respite, the heat shelter is a two-tiered microclimate shade created with vulnerable outdoor workers in mind. It offers a safe and collapsible refuge to rest and recover from extreme heat. The People First Cities team and the designers are bringing the design to life for the first time to be presented as an interactive exhibit at the venue, inviting community members and informal workers to use the shelter in an attempt to encourage public and private sector collaboration to implement the design across Bengaluru and beyond. 

“Achieving a design solution that does not interfere with the ground conveys more than just a means of convenience - the footpath is entirely public, defiant of ownership. The design is a host for a variety of interchangeable materials and functions, with its visible permeability and flexibility of construction, which can adapt to different scenarios.” - Sagar and Ankritya, Architects and Urban Planners

The event will also feature a multi-media exhibition with audio-visual storytelling, alongside an interactive theatre performance that prompts reflection on the lived realities of those incessantly exposed to heat. As a part of the wider programming, there will be a convening for two panel discussions led by experts to explore how the issue of heat stress uniquely affects informal workers and communities in informal settlements, emphasising the need for practical heat action strategies and solutions. They aim to push the conversation forward and enact real change at the regional and national levels through encouraging discussion among decision makers, key opinion leaders, and members of the local community.

The 2-day convening is part of a broader national conversation aimed at confronting the escalating crisis of heat stress in India. Despite its severe impact, heat is not recognised as a national disaster, leaving the vulnerable population of migrant workers, women and informal sector employees without adequate protection and support.

Through ‘Sweat & Concrete’, the People First Cities Initiative seeks to spotlight the urgent need for a unified, long-term response to heat stress at both the regional and national levels. In 2024, this took the form of a long-form creative investigation into the impact of heat stress on informal workers. In 2025, we are turning solutions into reality. It is a call to action for city leaders and planners to integrate inclusive, community-led heat solutions into urban policy, and for decision makers to recognise heat stress as an unignorable risk to economic productivity, social stability, and public health.

MAHE’s 32nd Convocation: A Celebration Of Dreams And Distinction

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, one of India's leading research-focused multi-disciplinary higher education institution, hosted its 32nd edition of Convocation on May 24, in Mangaluru. The convocation ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, dignitaries, and guests for a momentous celebration of academic achievement.

In this convocation, 1,367 students graduated, including 766 undergraduates, 440 postgraduates, and 161 PhD recipients.  Of these 616 students attended the ceremony in person, marking a major milestone in their academic and professional journeys.  A special highlight was the conferring of the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal to four outstanding students:  Ms. Isha Tripathi, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Ms. R. Prithvi, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore; Ms. Chaarvi Bansal, BDS, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal and Ms. Anoushka Avi, BDS, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore.

Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, was the honourable chief guest at the ceremony.

In his keynote address, Dr Sheth emphasized the critical need for educated and ethical professionals in today’s rapidly changing world.  He noted: “As our society faces unprecedented technological advancements, environmental challenges, and socio-economic shifts, the importance of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also uphold strong ethical standards has never been greater.  It is this combination of intellect and integrity that will drive meaningful progress.”

He further highlighted the importance of communication and research in medical education: “At the highest levels of policy making, we recognise that effective communication and strong foundation in clinical research are essential skills for future health care professionals.  These disciplines must be cultivated early in medical training to ensure that our graduates are prepared to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare.”

Dr. Sheth praised MAHE’s role in nurturing such professionals: “Institutions like MAHE play a vital role in shaping leaders who can navigate complexity with vision and integrity.  The education you have received here has equipped you to address the challenges of modern world.  I urge you to carry forward MAHE’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and service wherever your journey take you.”

He also expressed gratitude and called for stronger collaboration with MAHE: “On behalf of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), I extend heartfelt thanks to the MAHE faculty for their outstanding faculty development programs for NBEMS.  I encourage the university leadership to explore even broader collaborations with NBEMS, so together we can further advance medical education and research in India.”

"It is a moment of immense pride to witness yet another batch of bright minds step into the world,” Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE noted during the ceremony. “At MAHE, we don’t just prepare students for careers, we prepare them to shape the future. We take great pride in having nurtured these young minds who are now ready to embrace the challenges of tomorrow. These graduates represent the next generation of innovators, healers, thinkers, and change-makers. Their achievements reflect the values and excellence MAHE stands for.”

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.) Vice Chancellor, MAHE said, “MAHE has always stood at the intersection of tradition and transformation, where academic rigor meets global relevance. As we empower students to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and drive meaningful innovation, we continue to evolve as a university of impact. Our strength lies in our ability to adapt, lead, and anticipate the future needs of society. This graduating batch embodies that spirit, well-prepared to contribute with both intellect and empathy. I take great pride in their journey and look forward to the mark they will make on the world.”

Highlighting the momentous occasion, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Mangalore campus   remarked, “Beyond degrees and accolades, this day also celebrates the friendships, shared experiences, and meaningful connections built over the years. As our graduates embark on new paths, they carry with them a global network and a deep connection to their alma mater. They will remain forever a part of the MAHE family.”

Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology & Science, Dr. Sharath Rao K, Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences, Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, and Dr. Vinod Thomas, Registrar Evaluation graced the event with their esteemed presence.

Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore introduced the chief guest and Dr. Ashita Uppoor, Dean, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore proposed vote of thanks.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Samsung Expands Its Premium Presence With First Experience Store In Indore’s City Center

* The Samsung Experience Store Brings Immersive Technology Experience To Indore’s Bustling Mobile And Technology Hub

* Spanning 1000 square feet, the store is a one-stop solution for Galaxy devices, and personalized tech learning experiences

* Exciting launch offers include free 30+ OTT subscriptions, 40+ brand gift card deals, Paytm First membership and buffet offers across 100+ restaurants

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has inaugurated its first retail experience store in City Center on MG Road in Indore, further strengthening its premium retail presence across the country.

The store offers an immersive experience to customers with dedicated zones featuring the latest smartphones, tablets, laptops and SmartThings. Here, they can have a first-hand experience of how Samsung's connected devices can transform their lifestyle into smarter and more convenient experiences.

Spread across 1000 square feet, the new store is designed to be a one-stop solution for consumers to experience Samsung’s cutting-edge innovation, connected ecosystem, and premium service centre all under one roof.

Strategically located in City Center, a vibrant educational hub in Indore known for its bustling youth demographic and growing tech adoption, the store aims to deliver emerging technologies and immersive technology experiences to next-gen consumers.

As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction and digital upskilling, this new store will also witness Samsung’s signature ‘Learn @ Samsung’ initiative, following its success across other stores in India. This initiative will offer a range of workshops aimed at empowering consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z with knowledge and skills to utilize cutting-edge technology. The sessions will cover themes such as AI-enabled photography, productivity, creativity and doodling, providing hands-on experiences with Galaxy devices to enhance user engagement.

“The launch of our first premium experience store in Indore is yet another significant milestone in Samsung’s journey. This expansion is part of Samsung’s broader mission to democratize access to innovation by bringing premium offerings to all. This new store reflects our larger commitment to expanding our premium retail presence and delivering a truly one-stop solution that unites innovation, engagement, and customer satisfaction under one roof,” said a Samsung India spokesperson.

To celebrate the launch, customers visiting the store can avail:

Free 30+ subscriptions across leading OTT, music, wellness, and infotainment platforms.

Exclusive discounts on 40+ brand gift cards and 25+ top deals from premium brands.

Buy 1 Get 1 Free buffet deals across 100+ premium restaurants across India.

Paytm First membership rewards, special travel savings on flights, and discounts at 14,000+ restaurants nationwide.

In addition, the store features Samsung Store+, an intuitive digital platform that allows in-store shoppers to access detailed product information and opt for home delivery. A dedicated service centre has also been integrated within the store premises to further boost post-purchase support.

Samsung Newsroom India: Samsung Expands Its Premium Presence With First Experience Store In Indore’s City Center – Samsung Newsroom India.

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 latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Reliance General Insurance Delivers PAT Up YoY By 12.5 Percent At INR 315 Crore

* Gross Direct Premium Of INR 12,548 Crore - Up 7.4% YoY, Outpacing Industry Growth Of 5.2%

* IndusInd International Holdings Ltd, Mauritius, acquired the Company in March 2025

Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (the Company), delivered a resilient performance in FY 2024–25, underpinned by its digital-first approach, customer-centric products, and diversified distribution strategy. Reliance General Insurance continued to expand its footprint across retail, corporate and government business segments while maintaining robust risk management practices.

The Company, which faced strong headwinds being under IBC for nearly 4 years, has been acquired by IndusInd International Holdings Limited. (IIHL) In order to resurrect the position of the Company, the new promoter has already infused Capital amounting to Rs 300 crores. Distribution channel being one of the core advantages in the insurance business, Promoter’s adjacencies to a vast pan-India network, will also be a boost to the company’s reach.

Key performance highlights for the year ended March 31, 2025, are:

Gross Direct Premium (GDP): INR 12,548 crore – a YoY increase of 7.4%, outpacing general insurance industry growth of 5.2%. With effect from October 1, 2024, Long-term Products are accounted on a 1/n basis, as mandated by IRDAI. Adjusted for the 1/n accounting impact, GDP growth stands at 8.5%.

Profit After Tax (PAT): INR 315 crore – a YoY growth of 12.5%.

Investment Book: INR 21,358 crore – up from INR 20,514 crore in FY24, with one of the best Investment AUM to Net Worth ratio of 6.2x, indicating a strong cash position.

Net Worth: INR 3,429 crore – an increase of 10.2% YoY.

Solvency Ratio: Maintained at 1.59x – comfortably above the regulatory requirement of 1.50x.

Capital Infusion: INR 100 crore infused in May 2025 by the parent company, Reliance Capital Limited, reinforcing the company’s financial strength and growth momentum.

Operational Highlights:

Expanded National Reach: Over 1,15,000+ customer touchpoints established across India, enhancing service accessibility.

Innovative Product Launches: Introduction of new-age insurance solutions across motor, health, and SME segments to meet evolving consumer demands.

Claims Excellence: Achieved a best-in-class claims settlement ratio of 99.57% (Claims settled < 3 months), reinforcing the Company’s reputation for reliability and customer trust.

Technology-Driven Growth: Continued investments in AI-led underwriting and digital solutions to improve efficiency, risk assessment, and customer experience.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance, said:

"FY 2024–25 marked a year of disciplined execution, strategic investments, and resilient growth, even in a dynamic and challenging market environment. Our continued focus on delivering seamless customer experiences, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and investing in talent has helped us build a strong, future-ready organisation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the aspirations of millions of Indians through innovative and trusted insurance solutions."

He further added that "The successful conclusion of the CIRP of Reliance Capital Limited in March 2025 has opened a transformative new chapter for us under the stewardship of IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL). With IIHL’s strong financial backing and proven expertise in financial services, we are confident in our ability to accelerate our growth journey and lead the next wave of innovation in India’s general insurance sector."

The strategic support and long-term vision of IIHL are expected to bring enhanced operational agility, capital strength, and digital innovation capabilities to RGICL. This partnership will empower the Company to scale new heights by deepening distribution partnerships, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and reinforcing its commitment to customer-first innovation.

Well-positioned in a growing market, Reliance General Insurance is now equipped to lead the next wave of growth in India’s general insurance sector, delivering greater value to policyholders, partners, and stakeholders alike.

The Company has been awarded the Best Brand award by ET Now, Best Use of Technology & Best CX Team of the year 2025 by Bharat BFSI Leadership Summit & Awards. The company is also recognised as a “WOW Workplace 2025” by Jombay, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering, and engaging workplace.

About Reliance General Insurance

Reliance General Insurance, a subsidiary of Reliance Capital, is one of India’s leading general insurance companies. The Company offers a well-rounded and comprehensive bouquet of products, including Motor Insurance, Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, and Home Insurance. It provides customised solutions to meet the protection needs of each customer. Reliance General Insurance has a robust network of more than 1,15,000+ intermediaries and 128 branches across India for offering its products and services to retail, corporate, and SME clients.

About IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL):

IIHL’s vision is to be a Global Financial Services Institution with a commitment to excellence in international orientation, innovation, speed, and strict compliance with the principles of good corporate governance. With a current net worth of USD 2.65 bn, IIHL is committed to maintaining value-accretive dynamic growth through ongoing investment and acquisition of high-value assets.  IndusInd Bank, established in 1994, is a digitally driven innovative universal Bank with a widespread banking footprint with over 35 million customers, 6100+ distribution points across India, along with offices at London, Dubai & Abu Dhabi. With 359,000 shareholders, of which 67.67% are marquee International Institutional Investors, its shares are listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange & National Stock Exchange, whereas GDRs are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, with a current market cap of USD 14.5 bn.