UPI PAYMENT FAILED
The next problem to solve: When money arrives, what can merchants do in the meantime?
At GFF 2026, PRISM founder Ritesh Agarwal and Adyen’s Chief Commercial Officer Roelant Prins discussed why, for merchants such as small hotel owners, how quickly money arrives now matters as much as whether a payment is accepted, and why AI is changing back offices faster than it is changing how people buy.
Indian organisations on edge as sites fail to Captcha AI intruders
Personal AI agents such as Instinct, Muse, Grokbot and OpenClaw have taken over the consumer internet in the US. But last month, major US banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley, reportedly flagged AI agents such as Meta’s Muse accessing customer accounts using login credentials voluntarily shared by users laying bare the risks of handing AI agents the keys to consumers’ digital lives.
UPI Payment failed or stuck? When banks must refund your money and pay ₹100 per day in compensation
Have you ever faced a situation where a UPI payment was debited from your account but not received by the recipient? Discover the steps to handle failed UPI transactions, understand the reversal process, and learn how long refunds typically take. Stay vigilant against potential fraud while navigating the complexities of digital payments.
Who guards India’s digital gatekeepers?
India has built effective digital systems that facilitate money transfer and identity verification across its diverse population. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding accountability and transparency in government digital platforms. Many argue that mechanisms like competition law may not be suitable for all government services.
The next problem to solve: When money arrives, what can merchants do in the meantime?
At GFF 2026, PRISM founder Ritesh Agarwal and Adyen’s Chief Commercial Officer Roelant Prins discussed why, for merchants such as small hotel owners, how quickly money arrives now matters as much as whether a payment is accepted, and why AI is changing back offices faster than it is changing how people buy.
- Go To Page 1

Real-time payments explained: How money moves between bank accounts in seconds
Real-time payments allow money to move between bank accounts within seconds, making transactions faster and more convenient for consumers and businesses. In India, systems such as UPI and IMPS enable instant transfers, while RTGS processes high-value payments in real time. Here is how these systems work, the technology that powers them, their benefits for businesses and customers, and the security challenges.

Phone stolen in metro crowd, Rs 57,000 lost within an hour; SIM card used to take money from bank accounts without unlocking the device
A phone worth Rs 60,000 was reportedly stolen in a metro crowd, followed by a loss of Rs 57,000 from a bank account within 45 minutes. A post on X describes how a stolen SIM could be misused for banking-related fraud. Here is how SIM PIN protection works and what users should do after losing a phone.

'Twelve years, 12 questions': Akhilesh Yadav targets Centre on banking problems in India
Akhilesh Yadav has posed twelve significant questions to the Centre about the current state of the banking sector. His concerns highlight issues like bank privatisation, high fees, and the challenges faced by customers. He queries the closure of rural branches and the accessibility of loans for young borrowers and small traders. Yadav also addresses cyber fraud, loan interest rates, and the pressure on bank employees affecting customer service.

JIO IPO & Rs 10 lakh crore: Mukesh Ambani added 13 zeros to Dhirubhai’s dream
Jio Platforms will begin subscriptions for its IPO on October 21 and it will conclude on October 23. The record-breaking IPO could see valuation exceed Rs 10 lakh crore.. This IPO forms part of Jio's broader strategy to lower its debt and advance corporate goals. How the company navigates this phase will impact where it goes from here.

"These are facts Elon": Zoho cofounder Sridhar Vembu takes on Musk's claim of Starlink facing license hurdles
Sridhar Vembu responded to Elon Musk's claims regarding regulatory obstacles for Starlink in India. Vembu highlighted India's competitive economy and low data prices benefiting consumers. He emphasized that the Indian government does not tolerate monopolies in the industry. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that multiple companies, including Starlink, are seeking licenses. Security assessments are ongoing for all license applicants before commercial operations can begin.

Compensation of Rs 100 to Rs 5,000 per day for delay by bank in processing your request in these 5 situations
From stuck credit card closure requests to lost property papers, RBI rules require banks to pay you for every day they're late. A customer earlier this year won Rs 3.21 lakh for a delayed credit card closure. Here are 5 situations where the clock ticks in your favour, with compensation ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000 a day.

Wife, daughter and son waited in a car in snowfall at minus 4 degrees after the booked Gulmarg hotel was missing, MakeMyTrip ordered to pay Rs 48,775
A consumer commission in Gurdaspur has ordered MakeMyTrip to pay Rs 48,775 to an advocate whose family says the Srinagar and Gulmarg hotels they booked online could not be found, leaving them to spend a night in their car in the snow.

Fee on UPI P2M payments: How this “small” 0.4% fee can take a bigger bite out of your money
Starting from October 15, 2026, a new 0.4% transaction fee will be applied to UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, while lower amounts and peer-to-peer transfers will still be free. As some merchants may choose to adjust prices accordingly, customers should stay vigilant, checking for any surcharges at checkout to ensure they understand all costs involved. Transparency and quality of service will be vital as these changes are implemented.

5G but still offline: Why Delhi users are struggling with mobile connectivity
Delhi's 5G network faces significant indoor connectivity challenges affecting residents’ ability to make calls and use digital services. Users report weak signals in crowded markets, residential complexes, and hospitals, often relying on Wi-Fi. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India highlights delays in infrastructure upgrades and poor coverage as key issues. Many residents have resorted to Wi-Fi calling due to these persistent connectivity problems.

MP traders protest UPI MDR with ‘No UPI Day’, urge customers to pay cash
Traders across Madhya Pradesh organized a 'No UPI Day' protest against the imposition of a 0.4% fee. The protest involved covering QR codes with black cloth and encouraging cash payments. Various trade organizations claimed participation from multiple cities including Indore and Bhopal. Leaders urged the government to withdraw the fee before its implementation on October 15. They emphasized that this charge will ultimately affect consumers despite government assurances.

As SMEs digitise and expand globally, foreign banks have a crucial role to play: DBS Bank India’s Divyesh Dalal
DBS Bank India is enhancing its support for SMEs with the launch of its new Collections Orchestration platform, aiming to streamline payment management via a unified dashboard. This initiative reflects the evolving needs of small businesses in India, as they embrace digital solutions to navigate an increasingly complex commercial landscape.

‘Kitchen budget completely shattered’: Jairam Ramesh targets Modi govt over rising food costs
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated the kitchen budget has been completely shattered. He accused the Modi government of failing to address rising food prices. Essential items like wheat flour and cooking oil have seen significant price increases. Ramesh alleged the government is hiding inflation through statistical jugglery. He suggested voters will respond to these issues in upcoming elections.

UPI's free lunch is over: Why the 0.4% MDR charge is fair, needed and overdue
Digital payment charges are necessary for service efficiency and wider reach. Person-to-person and small transactions remain free from new fees. This move supports competition and prevents market dominance by large corporations. Merchants are mandated not to pass these charges onto customers. The digital payments ecosystem requires investment for continued growth and innovation.

Modinomics at 76: The birthday cake, the candles and the numbers
PM Narendra Modi turns 76 as he completes nearly 12 years in office, a period that has reshaped India’s economic landscape through infrastructure expansion, digitalisation, financial inclusion and policy reforms. While India has emerged as a major global economy, private investment, manufacturing depth and quality employment remain key unfinished parts of the economic story.

Stray dogs relased in Niphad Nagar Panchayat office as part of protest by Yuva Sena accusing them of neglecting complaints relating to canine menace
A protest over Niphad’s stray dog problem took an unusual turn when Yuva Sena district chief Vikram Randhave and supporters released four to five dogs inside the Nagar Panchayat chief officer’s office. Protesters alleged repeated complaints about dog bites, public safety and rising stray numbers had not resulted in effective action. The civic administration later assured them that sterilisation and population-control measures were underway.

Water bottle sold Rs 7 above MRP at temple shop, consumer court orders shopkeeper to pay Rs 7 lakh
The Kakinada district consumer commission has fined a shop licensee operating inside the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Annavaram after he charged a devotee Rs 25 for a one-litre water bottle marked at Rs 18. The commission ordered the licensee to deposit Rs 7 lakh in the Consumer Welfare Fund and pay the devotee a refund, compensation and litigation costs, calling the overcharging a serious unfair trade practice at a pilgrimage site.

The Modi-Xi-Putin picture and the rise of a multipolar world trying to remake global power
The expanded BRICS grouping now represents nearly half the world's population. Leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, showing consensus despite differences. BRICS aims to build practical mechanisms for global trade and finance. India seeks strategic autonomy and a stronger voice for the Global South. This evolving order allows countries to engage multiple power centers simultaneously.

GFF 2026: Digital finance has scaled, now trust and resilience must catch up, says RBI’s Deputy Governor Murmu
India's digital finance sector now prioritizes trust and resilience over access. Technology transforms finance, but trust remains the essential bedrock. Operational and cyber resilience are key priorities for the nation's financial infrastructure. Inclusion must extend beyond smartphones to reach all citizens. Technology distributes services, but responsibility always remains with regulated institutions.

Falcon launches MerlinFX AI agents to automate banking transactions in real-time
Falcon has launched MerlinFX, embedding AI agents directly into banking transaction systems. These agents automate tasks like reconciliation and fraud monitoring in real-time. Two agents are already in production, with five more rolling out to clients. This move addresses rising transaction volumes across digital payments and cards. Banks now leverage AI within workflows, not just for analysis.

Real estate firm promised Rs 60,000 every month for a Rs 17.5 lakh investment, paid Rs 30,000 for six months, then stopped; court orders company to pay client over 55 lakh
A Hyderabad consumer commission has ordered a real estate company to pay over Rs 55 lakh to a customer after finding that it stopped honouring a lease agreement tied to a white sandalwood plantation investment. The customer had invested Rs 17.5 lakh in 2023 on the promise of Rs 60,000 a month, but received only Rs 30,000 for six months before payments stopped altogether.

Cash no king, but don't stash it: India wants a digital economy, but cash still holds the power of choice
Despite government promotion of digital transactions like UPI and e-Rupee, cash remains prevalent, especially in rural areas and for large-value transactions. While digital payments offer convenience, they have also led to increased cyber fraud and financial exclusion, particularly for women. The article suggests the government's push for digitalization may stem from a desire for control and programmatic payment disbursement rather than genuine welfare improvement.

Opinion: The problem with a threshold-based MDR
The ongoing discussions around UPI pricing are shifting towards ensuring system financing while still promoting widespread adoption. Consumers will enjoy fee-free transactions, and person-to-person payments will continue to incur no charges. A new suggested cap on merchant transactions aims to boost payment splitting. However, this practice raises processing volumes yet fails to generate essential revenue for the system. It is crucial to remove arbitrary thresholds to facilitate economic growth.
Load More