ONDC
How intelligent commerce is shaping the next frontier of merchant payments
For a decade, the task in India’s merchant payments was to get every shop and website to accept digital money. The value, leaders argued, at GFF 2026, is now moving to identity, risk, credit and growth, and to preparing the checkout for AI agents that may soon shop on consumers’ behalf.
CDSL Q2 results: Net profit jumps 24% YoY to Rs 173 crore, revenue up 24%
CDSL reported a 24% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 173 crore, while revenue grew 23.7% to Rs 395 crore. EBITDA margin expanded to 58%. The depository opened around 75 lakh new demat accounts during the quarter, taking assets under custody beyond Rs 89 lakh crore.
Open digital infra has critical role to play in accelerating digitalisation of retail sector: DPIIT Secretary
ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) DigiDukaan addresses procurement by digitising kiranas as buyers. Through a single digital interface, retailers can discover and order products across multiple brands, distributors and wholesalers, with greater visibility into pricing, trade schemes and product availability.
Reinventing the pond: How this Bengal start-up is helping fish farmers battle climate and credit crisis
At a time when climate change is impacting world resources, including the aquatic system, Jalpaiguri’s Essential Aquatech is working to empower smallholder fish farmers by turning data into actionable insights and measures.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
AI was everywhere at GFF 2026. Full automation was not
Global Fintech Fest 2026 highlighted agentic AI's practical integration within the BFSI sector. Automation will handle basic tasks, but humans will retain final decision-making authority. Companies are focusing on specialised AI models and optimizing compute power for cost efficiency. Job roles are evolving, with a continued emphasis on hiring and upskilling employees.

Apple Pay’s India launch shows how RBI’s outcome-based regulation lets technology evolve
Apple Pay was launched in India after significant regulatory developments by the Reserve Bank of India. This new payment option allows users to pay securely without needing an OTP, which can facilitate fraud. The RBI has shifted towards regulating outcomes rather than prescribing specific technologies for digital payments. While Apple Pay currently does not support RuPay or UPI, it shows how regulation can foster innovation.
Be agent provocateur: India's internet needs an AI makeover
As India's digital ecosystem experiences rapid transformation, it is imperative to enhance support for the growing presence of AI agents in business and services. By tackling the obstacles within the navigational framework, costs for these agents can be significantly lowered. Revamping e-commerce catalogs and improving data availability will optimize purchase processes.

National Traders’ Welfare Board pushes centralised loan portal, faster MSME credit
The Board called for stronger coordination between the Centre and states to address issues faced by traders and improve the implementation of welfare and business-related measures.

India’s FDI equity inflows rise 6% to $19.8 billion in Q1FY27; Japan tops, US plunges 76%
India’s FDI equity inflows rose 6% to $19.81 billion in April-June FY27, led by Japan at $5.7 billion, while US inflows fell 76% to $1.34 billion. Total FDI including reinvested earnings stood at $30.6 billion. Tamil Nadu attracted the most investment at $5.9 billion, followed by Maharashtra.

'India moved from manufacture for India to manufacture for the world': Piyush Goyal on 12 years of 'Make in India'
India has transitioned from manufacturing primarily for its domestic market to competing in global markets. The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, aims to boost manufacturing capacity and attract foreign investments. Recent data reveals record foreign direct investment inflows and significant job creation through production incentives. Additionally, the focus will shift towards enhancing India's role in global production and supply chains.

India records highest-ever FDI of $94.53 billion in FY26, inflows since 2014 reach $843 billion: Piyush Goyal
India achieved its highest-ever annual Foreign Direct Investment of USD 94.53 billion in FY 2025-26. Cumulative FDI inflows from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26 reached USD 843 billion. The Production Linked Incentive schemes have attracted significant investments and generated millions of jobs. Key sectors benefited include electronics, pharmaceuticals, and IT hardware as outlined by the Commerce and Industry Minister.

Why the next AI race is about outcomes: Experts Weigh in on the future of AI
Businesses are adjusting their artificial intelligence strategies to prioritize measurable impacts and self-sufficient decision-making. The rise of agentic AI demands innovative pricing frameworks tied to delivered value and achieved results. Causal AI enhances understanding of the factors influencing outcomes and alternative pathways. Emphasizing decentralized AI innovation and interoperability is key to wider industry acceptance, while trust, privacy, and human oversight remain paramount as AI gains independence.

DTC to deploy AI system for real-time tracking of 6,000+ buses, predict delays and improve services
Delhi's public bus network is set for a significant technology upgrade. An AI-enabled Bus Management System will track over six thousand buses in real time. This system aims to improve services for nearly forty lakh daily passengers. It will monitor bus movement, speed, and operational performance closely. The upgrade will also enhance passenger information and electric bus operations.

GFF 2026: Visa, ONDC look to make India’s tourism offerings easier to discover
Visa and ONDC will collaborate to simplify tourism discovery for travelers across India. This partnership aims to connect visitors with local businesses and unique travel experiences. They will leverage open network principles and digital innovation for seamless journeys. ONDC seeks to strengthen demand-side participation in its growing tourism sector.

ONDC completes more than 7.1 million cumulative orders in February since inception a year ago
ONDC crossed 6.75 million cumulative orders in January. The network now has more than 370,000 sellers and service providers, from top brands to farmers and taxi drivers.

HSBC India launches 'ONDC in a box'
HSBC India has launched 'ONDC in a Box', making it the first foreign bank in India to offer an ONDC-enabled proposition. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) enables buyers and sellers to transact on an open, interoperable network without needing to be on the same platform. HSBC India's proposition includes banking services, ONDC modules, and digital payment solutions. The ecosystem partners, Protean eGov Technologies and Shayr Omnichannel, offer front-end applications and multi-channel integration.

ONDC food order: What is it and how to place an order
One can now order food on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform

ONDC logs slow ecommerce uptake, snags may hit expansion
Electronics, fashion items, smartphones and others are considered broadly the key drivers of online sales across marketplaces. While ONDC, as a network, has scaled to about 20,000 daily orders from around 1,000 in March, 97-98% of the orders have been for hyperlocal deliveries of food and grocery.
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