Festive demand, policy changes drove UPI to record high in August: Report
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) India’s real-time digital payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 20.01 billion transactions in August 2025, fuelled primarily by festive demand, advancements in technology, and policy changes, a report said on Wednesday.
The report in India Narrative stated that a seasonal uptick in consumer spending, especially with early festive demand, led to a 34 per cent year-on-year surge and a 3 per cent month-on-month surge in UPI transactions in August.
Further, the Indian government and RBI have promoted UPI adoption through incentives, regulatory support, and ongoing expansion of features such as UPI credit and improved interoperability, all of which have contributed to the surge, the report added.
In August, UPI processed Rs 24.85 lakh crore ($281 billion) through it with an average of 645 million daily transactions.
Another factor is that India now has over 900 million internet users and at least 500 million smartphone users, enabling seamless access to UPI even in semi-urban and rural areas where digital payments are expanding rapidly.
August 2025 also saw growth in FASTag (up 3 per cent from July) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS, up 24 per cent to 128.17 million).
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled interoperability between apps such as PhonePe and Google Pay, allowing instant transfers using UPI IDs or QR codes.
More sectors -- including utilities, e-commerce, transportation, and small merchants -- accept UPI, reflecting its growing relevance for both micro and macro transactions.
The government's Digital India initiative, along with the RBI's regulatory support, introduced UPI Lite for low-value payments and credit integration, broadening use cases.
UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly half of real-time payments globally. UPI’s live rollout in seven countries, including France in 2025, showcases its international influence and adoption.
--IANS
aar/rvt/
Festive demand, policy changes drove UPI to record high in August: Report
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) India’s real-time digital payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 20.01 billion transactions in August 2025, fuelled primarily by festive demand, advancements in technology, and policy changes, a report said on Wednesday.
The report in India Narrative stated that a seasonal uptick in consumer spending, especially with early festive demand, led to a 34 per cent year-on-year surge and a 3 per cent month-on-month surge in UPI transactions in August.
Further, the Indian government and RBI have promoted UPI adoption through incentives, regulatory support, and ongoing expansion of features such as UPI credit and improved interoperability, all of which have contributed to the surge, the report added.
In August, UPI processed Rs 24.85 lakh crore ($281 billion) through it with an average of 645 million daily transactions.
Another factor is that India now has over 900 million internet users and at least 500 million smartphone users, enabling seamless access to UPI even in semi-urban and rural areas where digital payments are expanding rapidly.
August 2025 also saw growth in FASTag (up 3 per cent from July) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS, up 24 per cent to 128.17 million).
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled interoperability between apps such as PhonePe and Google Pay, allowing instant transfers using UPI IDs or QR codes.
More sectors -- including utilities, e-commerce, transportation, and small merchants -- accept UPI, reflecting its growing relevance for both micro and macro transactions.
The government's Digital India initiative, along with the RBI's regulatory support, introduced UPI Lite for low-value payments and credit integration, broadening use cases.
UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly half of real-time payments globally. UPI’s live rollout in seven countries, including France in 2025, showcases its international influence and adoption.
--IANS
aar/rvt/
Festive demand, policy changes drove UPI to record high in August: Report
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) India’s real-time digital payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 20.01 billion transactions in August 2025, fuelled primarily by festive demand, advancements in technology, and policy changes, a report said on Wednesday.
The report in India Narrative stated that a seasonal uptick in consumer spending, especially with early festive demand, led to a 34 per cent year-on-year surge and a 3 per cent month-on-month surge in UPI transactions in August.
Further, the Indian government and RBI have promoted UPI adoption through incentives, regulatory support, and ongoing expansion of features such as UPI credit and improved interoperability, all of which have contributed to the surge, the report added.
In August, UPI processed Rs 24.85 lakh crore ($281 billion) through it with an average of 645 million daily transactions.
Another factor is that India now has over 900 million internet users and at least 500 million smartphone users, enabling seamless access to UPI even in semi-urban and rural areas where digital payments are expanding rapidly.
August 2025 also saw growth in FASTag (up 3 per cent from July) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS, up 24 per cent to 128.17 million).
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled interoperability between apps such as PhonePe and Google Pay, allowing instant transfers using UPI IDs or QR codes.
More sectors -- including utilities, e-commerce, transportation, and small merchants -- accept UPI, reflecting its growing relevance for both micro and macro transactions.
The government's Digital India initiative, along with the RBI's regulatory support, introduced UPI Lite for low-value payments and credit integration, broadening use cases.
UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly half of real-time payments globally. UPI’s live rollout in seven countries, including France in 2025, showcases its international influence and adoption.
--IANS
aar/rvt/
Festive demand, policy changes drove UPI to record high in August: Report
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) India’s real-time digital payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 20.01 billion transactions in August 2025, fuelled primarily by festive demand, advancements in technology, and policy changes, a report said on Wednesday.
The report in India Narrative stated that a seasonal uptick in consumer spending, especially with early festive demand, led to a 34 per cent year-on-year surge and a 3 per cent month-on-month surge in UPI transactions in August.
Further, the Indian government and RBI have promoted UPI adoption through incentives, regulatory support, and ongoing expansion of features such as UPI credit and improved interoperability, all of which have contributed to the surge, the report added.
In August, UPI processed Rs 24.85 lakh crore ($281 billion) through it with an average of 645 million daily transactions.
Another factor is that India now has over 900 million internet users and at least 500 million smartphone users, enabling seamless access to UPI even in semi-urban and rural areas where digital payments are expanding rapidly.
August 2025 also saw growth in FASTag (up 3 per cent from July) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS, up 24 per cent to 128.17 million).
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled interoperability between apps such as PhonePe and Google Pay, allowing instant transfers using UPI IDs or QR codes.
More sectors -- including utilities, e-commerce, transportation, and small merchants -- accept UPI, reflecting its growing relevance for both micro and macro transactions.
The government's Digital India initiative, along with the RBI's regulatory support, introduced UPI Lite for low-value payments and credit integration, broadening use cases.
UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly half of real-time payments globally. UPI’s live rollout in seven countries, including France in 2025, showcases its international influence and adoption.
--IANS
aar/rvt/
TN to set up exclusive training centre for govt college faculty
Chennai, Sep 3 (IANS) In a bid to strengthen higher education and enhance teaching standards, the Tamil Nadu government is planning to establish a dedicated State Training Centre to train faculty members from government-run arts, science, engineering, polytechnic, and vocational colleges.
At present, the State has 11 government engineering colleges, 54 polytechnic institutions, 165 arts and science colleges, and seven colleges of education.
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) has been tasked with drawing up a comprehensive plan for setting up the training facility, which will serve as a central hub for the professional development of government faculty.
A senior official from the Higher Education Department said the centre aims to bring about significant improvements in teaching quality, research, publication output, and institutional growth within a short span.
To achieve this, the centre will feature high-tech classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards, modern computer systems, well-stocked libraries, laboratories with advanced equipment, and a large conference hall.
Subject experts and resource persons will be available to train faculty on emerging trends and best practices.
The official added that nearly 5,000 professors and lecturers from these institutions will undergo training annually. They will be offered orientation programmes, refresher courses, subject-specific workshops, and modules on modern teaching methods, management practices, and e-learning tools.
The state government will spend about Rs 1,200 per faculty member, amounting to nearly Rs 60 lakh per year for the training exercise. Capacity building for teachers, the official stressed, is a key focus of the government.
To bridge the gap between academia and real-world application, the training modules will also include participation from industry partners.
Their involvement is expected to help evolve curriculum design and bring in practical insights for classroom learning.
To ensure that the centre meets international standards, an expert committee will be formed to finalise the training modules, infrastructure requirements, and operational framework. The committee will also suggest ways to integrate continuous professional development as part of faculty service.
The detailed plan will be submitted to the Higher Education Department for final approval, paving the way for the State Training Centre to become a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tamil Nadu’s higher education sector.
--IANS
aal/dpb
TN to set up exclusive training centre for govt college faculty
Chennai, Sep 3 (IANS) In a bid to strengthen higher education and enhance teaching standards, the Tamil Nadu government is planning to establish a dedicated State Training Centre to train faculty members from government-run arts, science, engineering, polytechnic, and vocational colleges.
At present, the State has 11 government engineering colleges, 54 polytechnic institutions, 165 arts and science colleges, and seven colleges of education.
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) has been tasked with drawing up a comprehensive plan for setting up the training facility, which will serve as a central hub for the professional development of government faculty.
A senior official from the Higher Education Department said the centre aims to bring about significant improvements in teaching quality, research, publication output, and institutional growth within a short span.
To achieve this, the centre will feature high-tech classrooms equipped with interactive smart boards, modern computer systems, well-stocked libraries, laboratories with advanced equipment, and a large conference hall.
Subject experts and resource persons will be available to train faculty on emerging trends and best practices.
The official added that nearly 5,000 professors and lecturers from these institutions will undergo training annually. They will be offered orientation programmes, refresher courses, subject-specific workshops, and modules on modern teaching methods, management practices, and e-learning tools.
The state government will spend about Rs 1,200 per faculty member, amounting to nearly Rs 60 lakh per year for the training exercise. Capacity building for teachers, the official stressed, is a key focus of the government.
To bridge the gap between academia and real-world application, the training modules will also include participation from industry partners.
Their involvement is expected to help evolve curriculum design and bring in practical insights for classroom learning.
To ensure that the centre meets international standards, an expert committee will be formed to finalise the training modules, infrastructure requirements, and operational framework. The committee will also suggest ways to integrate continuous professional development as part of faculty service.
The detailed plan will be submitted to the Higher Education Department for final approval, paving the way for the State Training Centre to become a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tamil Nadu’s higher education sector.
--IANS
aal/dpb
Sushmita Sen’s younger baby Alisah achieves big at school, Renee Sen pens emotional note
Mumbai Sep 3 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen truly seems to have won at life. The actress who is the mother to two girls has raised both her daughters, who are not biologically hers, with the teachings of love, compassion and family values.
Her elder daughter, Renee Sen, and her younger daughter, Alisah Sen, share a very beautiful sibling bond and are each other's biggest cheerleaders. Recently, Renee took to her social media account in lauding her little sister on being the captain of her school.
Sharing a few unseen pictures of baby Alisah in her kindergarten uniform to now being honoured as the captain of the same school, Renee shared a beautiful and emotional note on her achievement. “Presenting to you, Ladies and Gentlemen- School Captain of Mount Litera School International… Alisah Sen From Founder student to now Captain of your school… you’ve not just wanted this from when you were 6 years old but you’ve worked really hard for this and every decision in life so far has led to this day… you truly deserve this and so much more! Needless to say, we are all so so proud of you and I’m sure you’re going to make a difference… you were born to lead Congratulations to your teachers who have helped shape the young, intelligent woman you are today… and to our Maa @sushmitasen47 We love you the mostest!!!! Thank you for making us strong, independent women! This is just the beginning Alisah!! Big congratulations to the entire student council Dugga Dugga!”
Sushmita too shared a story on her social media account, congratulating her baby girl on her big achievement!
Recently, on account of Alisah’s 16th birthday, Renee had shared a beautiful note for her on her social media account. It read, “Alisah, my tiny little bunny … Happy 16th birthday little one @alisahsen47
From being this small, delicate baby who fit into my arms, I now fit in yours… we’ve come a long way!!!!!
Every year as I see you grow, into this wonderful, kind, empathetic young woman.. it makes me so proud.. and now you’re School Captain!!! Way to go!!!!
Aaliyah, Ziana and I are so lucky to be your sisters and will be rooting for you the loudest. You really are the best sister and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in life… this is just the beginning…
My cute little squishy pumpkin!!!! I can’t believe you’re 16 already!!!!I miss when you were a tiny little baby God bless you with amazing food and may you travel the world because nothing makes you happier than food and travelling Most importantly, to the best mother in the whole wide Universe and the reason we have this blessed beautiful life… our Maa… Happy 16th birthday to you too!!!! Thank you for making me an elder sister to this little cookie @sushmitasen47
Dugga Dugga.”
Renee and Alisah both were adopted by Sushmita and are not her daughters biologically but are her babies from the heart.
---IANS
rd/
Sushmita Sen’s younger baby Alisah achieves big at school, Renee Sen pens emotional note
Mumbai Sep 3 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen truly seems to have won at life. The actress who is the mother to two girls has raised both her daughters, who are not biologically hers, with the teachings of love, compassion and family values.
Her elder daughter, Renee Sen, and her younger daughter, Alisah Sen, share a very beautiful sibling bond and are each other's biggest cheerleaders. Recently, Renee took to her social media account in lauding her little sister on being the captain of her school.
Sharing a few unseen pictures of baby Alisah in her kindergarten uniform to now being honoured as the captain of the same school, Renee shared a beautiful and emotional note on her achievement. “Presenting to you, Ladies and Gentlemen- School Captain of Mount Litera School International… Alisah Sen From Founder student to now Captain of your school… you’ve not just wanted this from when you were 6 years old but you’ve worked really hard for this and every decision in life so far has led to this day… you truly deserve this and so much more! Needless to say, we are all so so proud of you and I’m sure you’re going to make a difference… you were born to lead Congratulations to your teachers who have helped shape the young, intelligent woman you are today… and to our Maa @sushmitasen47 We love you the mostest!!!! Thank you for making us strong, independent women! This is just the beginning Alisah!! Big congratulations to the entire student council Dugga Dugga!”
Sushmita too shared a story on her social media account, congratulating her baby girl on her big achievement!
Recently, on account of Alisah’s 16th birthday, Renee had shared a beautiful note for her on her social media account. It read, “Alisah, my tiny little bunny … Happy 16th birthday little one @alisahsen47
From being this small, delicate baby who fit into my arms, I now fit in yours… we’ve come a long way!!!!!
Every year as I see you grow, into this wonderful, kind, empathetic young woman.. it makes me so proud.. and now you’re School Captain!!! Way to go!!!!
Aaliyah, Ziana and I are so lucky to be your sisters and will be rooting for you the loudest. You really are the best sister and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in life… this is just the beginning…
My cute little squishy pumpkin!!!! I can’t believe you’re 16 already!!!!I miss when you were a tiny little baby God bless you with amazing food and may you travel the world because nothing makes you happier than food and travelling Most importantly, to the best mother in the whole wide Universe and the reason we have this blessed beautiful life… our Maa… Happy 16th birthday to you too!!!! Thank you for making me an elder sister to this little cookie @sushmitasen47
Dugga Dugga.”
Renee and Alisah both were adopted by Sushmita and are not her daughters biologically but are her babies from the heart.
---IANS
rd/
PGMOL chief admits correct guidance not followed for King’s disallowed goal
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb admitted the decision to rule out Josh King’s goal against Chelsea was incorrect and stated that correct guidance was not followed by the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR).
Fulham ended up losing the contest 0-2 after King’s goal was disallowed in the 22nd minute of the contest due to VAR intervention for a foul by Rodrigo Muniz in the build-up.
Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up - a television programme which analyses VAR decisions from previous gameweeks - PGMOL chief refereeing officer Webb acknowledged the error.
"It wasn't controversial, it was wrong. We've established some principles in terms of how we officiate in the Premier League and how we use VAR. They sit around a high threshold for penalising contact, aiding the flow, rhythm and tempo of the game. We've also established a high bar for intervention with VAR.
"In this situation, that guidance wasn't followed properly. There was a misjudgement by the officials involved in this situation about how that contact happened between Muniz and Chalobah. The officials got super focused on that contact, without looking at the full context of how it happened,” said Webb.
After the defeat, Fulham head coach Marco Silva, whose side remains winless after three games, could not believe the decision that was given against his side.
"How you disallow a goal like that is unbelievable. We have meetings with referee and people in charge, we all want to win. VAR is not here to re-referee the game.
"I would prefer not to say something more because I would be punished. I want to be on the touchline next week to help my team, I don't want to be fined.
"But it has been a difficult start to the season with some decisions,” Silva told TNT Sports.
--IANS
aaa/bc
PGMOL chief admits correct guidance not followed for King’s disallowed goal
New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb admitted the decision to rule out Josh King’s goal against Chelsea was incorrect and stated that correct guidance was not followed by the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR).
Fulham ended up losing the contest 0-2 after King’s goal was disallowed in the 22nd minute of the contest due to VAR intervention for a foul by Rodrigo Muniz in the build-up.
Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up - a television programme which analyses VAR decisions from previous gameweeks - PGMOL chief refereeing officer Webb acknowledged the error.
"It wasn't controversial, it was wrong. We've established some principles in terms of how we officiate in the Premier League and how we use VAR. They sit around a high threshold for penalising contact, aiding the flow, rhythm and tempo of the game. We've also established a high bar for intervention with VAR.
"In this situation, that guidance wasn't followed properly. There was a misjudgement by the officials involved in this situation about how that contact happened between Muniz and Chalobah. The officials got super focused on that contact, without looking at the full context of how it happened,” said Webb.
After the defeat, Fulham head coach Marco Silva, whose side remains winless after three games, could not believe the decision that was given against his side.
"How you disallow a goal like that is unbelievable. We have meetings with referee and people in charge, we all want to win. VAR is not here to re-referee the game.
"I would prefer not to say something more because I would be punished. I want to be on the touchline next week to help my team, I don't want to be fined.
"But it has been a difficult start to the season with some decisions,” Silva told TNT Sports.
--IANS
aaa/bc