India launches UPI payment system in Qatari supermarket
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Doha (PTI): India expanded the reach of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on Monday by launching the facility at Lulu Group's stores in Qatar, following its rollout at duty-free outlets in Hamad International Airport here last month.
Launching the facility at a Lulu store, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said it will help facilitate smoother and more cost-effective movement of capital between the two countries.
Last month, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), introduced UPI at point-of-sale terminals across Qatar for merchants acquired by QNB.
The rollout is part of a collaboration between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Japanese payments gateway NETSTARS.
He also encouraged other banks and institutions in Qatar to adopt UPI.
"The launch of UPI and UPI transactions is not just a digital payment solution, but has the potential to revolutionise trade between Qatar and India. It's an opportunity to expand our trust between the two nations because as we seamlessly integrate the payment systems of Qatar and India, our people will be able to trade more, trade smarter at lower cost," he said here.
He added that the movement of money and capital will be faster, almost on a real-time basis, with a "very-very low" cost.
"Expanded trade will further be strengthened with the adoption of UPI ... I thank QNB for taking up UPI as part of their payment systems," he said, adding the official launch of UPI today will be a milestone in this journey in the years ahead.
He also said that 830,000 Indians who live here will benefit from this launch as their remittances will become faster and at a lower cost.
This makes Qatar the eighth country to accept UPI, facilitating real-time, cashless payments for Indians and reducing dependency on foreign currency or international cards.
By enabling seamless transactions, UPI supports both Indian travellers and local Qatari businesses, promoting digital payment adoption and strengthening India's international financial footprint while enhancing convenience and security for tourists in high-traffic commercial zones.
The UPI, Goyal said, was launched nine years ago, and it is a big success story in India.
"85 per cent of Indian digital payments go through UPI and nearly 50 per cent of global digital payments are now made by UPI," he said, adding that 640 million transactions happen on average every day.
He added that it was wonderful to see the QNB becoming the bridge between NPCI, who has developed the UPI platform, and Lulu Group, who is offering to all its customers the facility of digital payment through UPI.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
