Latest news with #Pincode
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
PhonePe, HDFC Bank unveil co-branded RuPay credit card with UPI credit payments
PhonePe and HDFC Bank have launched a new co-branded credit card on the RuPay network, marking PhonePe's entry into the credit card space. Named the 'PhonePe HDFC Bank Credit Card', it's available in two variants—'Ultimo' and 'UNO'—and is integrated with UPI to enable credit-based payments at any merchant accepting UPI QR codes. Designed for digital-first users, the card offers tailored rewards and spending benefits. The Ultimo variant provides: 10% reward points on transactions via the PhonePe app—bill payments, recharges, travel, and Pincode purchases 5% reward points on select online merchant spends 1% reward points on UPI 'Scan & Pay' transactions Two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter Both variants support seamless UPI-linked payments through credit and can be managed directly in the PhonePe app. Users can apply for the card digitally, and HDFC Bank will issue and activate the card upon approval. The rollout will occur in phases. The partnership combines HDFC Bank's credit capabilities with PhonePe's digital penetration, targeting India's growing population of UPI-savvy users. As of April 2025, PhonePe boasts over 61 crore users and a merchant network of 4 crore outlets, processing more than 34 crore daily transactions and over ₹150 lakh crore in annual TPV.
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
RenewBuy launched industry-first, hyper-personalized InsurTech AI- PRISM Aims to reach out to 1 million new and existing consumers by FY 26
PNN New Delhi [India], June 26: RenewBuy has announced the launch of PRISM (Predictive Risk Identification & Selection Model), a cutting-edge AI-powered recommendation engine- the first of its kind in India. PRISM is set to transform how consumers and insurance advisors will engage around insurance offerings, going beyond the 'One-size-fits-all' model to deliver highly personalized, data-driven recommendations, granularly suited to their individual needs. The AI-powered PRISM has been launched to make insurance more seamless, accessible, and relevant for Indian consumers. It is offering hyper-personalized policy recommendations based on age, income, Pincode, gender, occupation, medical health history, family and even education. While many consumers might have insurance, their existing coverage might not suffice the actual needs. PRISM will help insurance advisors evaluate and align insurance coverage, as per every single consumer's unique requirement, and help them offer suitable policies. The engine will generate smart, context-aware recommendations across health, term, and savings categories. Speaking on the launch of PRISM, Balachander Sekhar- CEO, RenewBuy said, "While awareness and consumer outreach in insurance have grown in recent years, India continues to face a substantial protection gap- particularly in the life and health insurance categories. In our estimation, around 700 million individuals across the country have both the intent and capacity to avail insurance, what they lack is reliable, affordable and approachable channels." "In 2022, we launched customised health insurance policies aimed at bridging insurance gap for the Missing Middle. PRISM will mark yet another key step towards expanding access in smaller towns and semi-urban markets, to make insurance more affordable, flexible and easier to understand. Through granular customisation in PRISM, consumers will be able to refine their choices from a curated list of plans, empowering them to find policies that truly fit their needs. We aim to reach out to more than 1 million existing and new consumers by the end of FY 26 through PRISM," he further added. PRISM will not only enhance user experience, but also equip insurance advisors with sharper consumer insights, allowing them to recommend more precise, relevant solutions and policies. They will receive a technology-driven, precision-based report, a powerful ready reckoner that will help them engage with consumers in the most targeted and effective manner. Consumers, on the other hand, will receive personalized insurance summary, that highlights optimal top-up plans, premium amounts, and key benefits- empowering them to make informed and relevant decisions. As a result, consumers will save valuable time in identifying the right plans, while the tailored experience will build more consumer connect, greater trust, loyalty, and long-term engagement. About RenewBuy Founded in 2015 by Balachander Sekhar and Indraneel Chatterjee, RenewBuy is a disruptive InsurTech player providing choice and convenience to customers buying Health, Life and Motor Insurance products, delivered through a trusted network of insurance advisors. The company has more than 1.5 lakh plus insurance advisors and has insured more than 5.5 million customers across 1500+ cities. Using technology as an enabler, the company has created differentiation in consumer experience and service, as well as in the geographical expansion of the sector. For more information, visit:
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Reinventing Retail: How local kirana stores are adapting to India's quick commerce boom
Live Events Kuldeep Bhatti, owner of an organic grocery store, Easypick-Farmfresh, in East Delhi, onboarded on ONDC (Open Network Digital Commerce) through in January 2024 and has seen a 25-30% increase in revenue since then. dashboard for a seller, who is able to see information such as type of delivery-self or network, order and time, payment mode, inventory, return etc.,. Vivek Lohcheb, CEO of Pincode, claimed that since onboarding with Pincode, most of the offline stores have witnessed more than 100% growth in their business. Over the past two years, Indians have gotten hooked on the delivery of instant gratification. They are no longer stepping out of their houses to buy a toothbrush or simply bread from a nearby grocery. Everything is arriving at their doorsteps within 10-15 minutes, thanks to quick delivery firms like Zepto, Swiggy Instamart Blinkit , and Amazon Now . Their rapid growth has not only changed consumer behaviour but also posed a threat to the businesses of kirana stores Most of these quick commerce firms deliver directly from their dark stores, employing delivery executives, demand forecasting, data analytics and an easy-to-use mobile app for customers, advantages local kirana stores find hard to afford. As per a 2024 report by Datum, the market share of kirana stores in India's retail market dropped to 92.6% in 2023 from 95% in 2018. This number is further projected to drop to 88.9% by 2028. The report also showed that 46% of quick commerce users have reduced buying from kirana stores. More than 82% of the buyers have shifted at least 1/4th of their purchases from kirana stores to quick commerce has now become equally important for kirana stores to step up and embrace the changing times. Swiggy Instamart employs a hybrid model for its dark stores while also collaborating with kirana stores; firms like and Pincode are helping kirana stores compete in the times of quick Varma, Co-founder at Primus Partners India, explained that Kirana stores across India are no longer passive spectators; they're actively evolving into micro quick-commerce hubs. 'Many have instituted home delivery, digital payments, WhatsApp-based ordering, and basic inventory apps to meet modern consumer expectations. The willingness and demand are real. According to a survey, over 80% of kirana owners now believe digitising is essential, and around 84% have already begun integrating tech, even if modestly, into their operations,' he Bhatti, owner of an organic grocery store, Easypick-Farmfresh, in East Delhi, onboarded on ONDC (Open Network Digital Commerce) through in January 2024. ONDC is a government-backed digital commerce initiative that has been working with many private players to help local MSMEs and sellers with online selling.'Since I have got on the ONDC platform, I have got an additional 25-30% increase in my revenue,' said had earlier tried to take orders through WhatsApp, but the process wasn't structured. 'What I did earlier was note down the numbers of all my customers, drop messages about products and collect orders on WhatsApp. However, it was not consistent. Some weeks I was able to do it all; some weeks I could not.'He was looking for a more organised way of home deliveries and was approached by the and ONDC team. Since there were no upfront charges or fees and ONDC also helped with logistics for deliveries to farther areas, Bhatti joined the platform.'In the first week of joining the platform, I had no customers. Then the team asked me to do some advertising on my own and inform my current customers and localities about this. I saw a significant increase in orders in about 35 days of enrolment. For nearby orders, I have my staff who does the delivery. For farther areas, ONDC helps with logistics,' he Bhatti got the whole training and handholding to set up his store on the platform. Alok Chawla, Co-founder and CEO of explained that they help these kirana stores from end to end. Right from setting up their online stores and their inventory management to training them on how they can process orders online and make deliveries in 30 minutes via ONDC instead of the unreliable phone WhatsApp system.'They get all the information—who is ordering, how much is the total amount, is it cash-on-delivery? Or is it through a pay-later option or pay at the end of the month? At the end of the month, the seller and the customer both get a full detailed break-up of what you ordered and how much the customer owes,' he said, adding that there is no need to keep a manual gets orders from various other platforms such as PayTm. has so far helped over 1000 kirana stores to sign up on ONDC and have access to more than 50,000 stores on the platform. They are currently processing around 5,000 orders a day in explained that a large chunk of the business comes from the seller's own customer base. He said that the sellers are just migrating them from unorganised ordering to organised ones.'About anywhere between 10% and 15% of every kirana store's business comes from home deliveries, via WhatsApp or phone calls. We are helping the retailers migrate that 10-15% of their existing business to their online store. It's a better experience for your customers, and in the long term, these are the orders that you could potentially lose to the dark store with quick commerce,' he said, adding that the complete migration of these customers could take about 6-8 platform provides two kinds of deliveries—self and network delivery. As per Chawla, most sellers opt for self-delivery, as most orders are less than half a kilometre away and can be fulfilled by a delivery boy from the shop.'About less than 5% of the orders right now are those which are a little further away, where the retailers choose network delivery via ONDC network logistics. The cost here is typically between Rs 20-25 for a 1-2 km delivery,' he example is that of Pincode, a hyperlocal quick commerce app by PhonePe, which partners with local brick-and-mortar stores to provide 10-minute deliveries. Present in more than 1,000 stores across cities like Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Varanasi to provide the technology, operational know-how, customer access, and logistics support they Lohcheb, CEO of Pincode, claimed that since onboarding with Pincode, most of the offline stores have witnessed more than 100% growth in their business. 'Kirana or offline stores are incredibly agile. Many store owners are already using digital payment tools and messaging tools to engage with customers. What they lacked was a simple and efficient platform that could plug them into demand generation at scale—and that's what Pincode offers. Our on-ground teams work closely with store owners to guide them through the transition, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,' he about the rising demand for quick commerce among retailers, Chawla said that about 20-30% of sellers in any city are worried about business going down and want to go online. They often look for low-cost options to set up an online store for quick delivery.'The sellers tried to figure out with some other software companies that if I paid for my own website, what would it cost? And they really can't afford it. But if you tell them there is zero investment up front, they jump at it. Today, we have a waitlist of about 8,000-plus stores that want to go online,' he said, adding that it takes about 7-10 days to train a first-time online training includes showing them how the panel works, best-selling practices, how to pack an order in 5 minutes so that it is out quickly, digital and physical marketing, designing pamphlets about the store and distributing them with neighbourhood newspapers, putting up canopies where they talk to customers and tell them that we are giving you a quick commerce service, on the other hand, has been enabling these sellers with end-to-end digital enablement—from ERP set-up and stock management to digital storefronts—combined with operational expertise to help local retailers track demand, optimise inventory, and improve returns.'Real-time customer insights empower retailers to adapt to the digital hyperlocal economy and maintain store footfalls. Demand generation strategies attract and retain customers, boosting sales and visibility. Pincode creates a level playing field, allowing local businesses to compete effectively in the fast-paced digital market,' he however, added that the challenges in this experience are around technological know-how, real-time inventory visibility and management, and adapting to new order patterns.'Many kirana stores operate with traditional stock-keeping methods, and fulfilling online orders efficiently requires a mindset shift. Infrastructure like barcode systems or digital cataloguing may be missing. However, with the right tools, handholding, and localised support, these hurdles are entirely surmountable—and we're seeing that happen every day,' he believes that the broader understanding is clear—new-age quick commerce is here to stay. 'Call it a tech disruptor or innovation, and local kirana stores will have to adapt to the ecosystem and 'evolve' accordingly wherever required. While algorithmic convenience (enjoyed by quick commerce platforms) is and will be a difficulty for kiranas, they can still match the game with 'trust' and 'time' quotients,' he World MSME Day , on June 27, 2025, ET Digital will also open registrations for its sixth edition of the ET MSME Awards 2025. The coveted award programme celebrates India's top MSMEs for their achievements and contribution to the nation's economic development.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Food markets, cooking classes and more: 10 Kid-friendly culinary stops in Abu Dhabi
So, what's cooking on your family summer holiday? A recent survey by Experience Abu Dhabi (Will create a hyperlink of the survey article) reveals that young Indian travellers aren't just curious about new cultures, they're budding foodies too! With 90% of Indian kids eager to explore food markets and try unique dishes on vacation, Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination to satisfy those adventurous taste buds. From sampling sweet treats at the Dates Market to whipping up dishes in fun cooking classes and indulging in playful, eye-catching desserts, culinary adventures here are anything but boring. Here are the must-try foodie spots that are as exciting as they are delicious! Sweet beginnings at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market View this post on Instagram This buzzing marketplace is packed with rows of the juiciest, softest, and most flavour-packed dates you've ever tasted. From gooey Medjools to bite-sized delights, there's a variety for every little palate. Friendly vendors are always ready with fun stories about how these gems are harvested and why they matter so much to Emirati culture. Also, there are yummy local sweets, nuts, and souvenirs to snack on or take home. Delicious Indian food and fun at Pincode by Kunal Kapoor View this post on Instagram Indulge inTry authentic Indian flavours with a modern twist at Pincode by Kunal Kapoor. From crispy Potato Spiral Chaat to creamy Dal Makhni and fiery Chettinad Chicken, every dish takes you on a fun culinary trip across India's regions. Kids will love the playful Gadbad Falooda Sundae, while grown-ups can savour the creative tiramisu inspired by ras malai. It's the perfect spot for families to come together and share stories. Ecole Ducasse Cooking Class, where little chefs have fun View this post on Instagram If you've got a curious kiddo and a love for food, the Ecole Ducasse is a must-try. This hands-on experience is perfect for families looking to bond over fresh ingredients, lots of laughs, and zero pressure to be perfect. From mini pizzas, creative toppings, and a space where kids are encouraged to play with food. With guidance from expert chefs and a focus on local produce, it's a fun, flavour-packed way to spend the day. For a taste of Emirati tradition, head to Al Mrzab View this post on Instagram To try something truly local with the fam, Al Mrzab is the place to be, serving mouth-watering Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine. From majlis-style seating to cabins that feel like a step back in time, this spot is all about authentic vibes and flavours, with every bite full of warmth and spice. Try khanfaroush drizzled with honey - it's golden, gooey, and guaranteed to make the kids ask for more. Boomah – The Owl Café: A feathered family treat View this post on Instagram Here, the cosy vibes meet some seriously cool feathered friends. Perfect for families, this café lets you sip your coffee while watching owls perched safely nearby. Kids will love learning fun facts about these majestic birds from the info cards on the tables, making it both tasty and educational. It's a calm, unique spot where the whole family can enjoy a relaxing break. A culinary escape for the whole family at Le Noir View this post on Instagram This cafe is a charming spot perfect for families looking to relax and try good food together. From gourmet breakfasts to tasty snacks and artisanal coffee, there's something to satisfy every craving. Plus, parents can sip in peace while the little ones have a blast in the dedicated kids' zone filled with fun toys and play areas. Bait Al Gahwa at Qasr Al Hosn: A cuppa culture for curious kids Bait Al Gahwa For a family outing that's as cultural as it is tasty, Bait Al Gahwa inside the historic Qasr Al Hosn fort is a must-visit. Here, kids can experience Emirati hospitality, watching the traditional Arabic coffee (Gahwa) preparation from roasting to the graceful pouring ceremony. It's a sensory experience where little ones can learn and taste Emirati food and culture. NIRI: A relaxed Japanese spot for families to unwind View this post on Instagram Tucked away in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a beachfront promenade, NIRI is a homegrown gem that brings the true spirit of Japanese cuisine without any fuss. The vibe here is all about simplicity, no formalities, no boundaries - just great food and chill service. After a fun-filled day exploring Abu Dhabi, it's the perfect place for families to unwind together, enjoy authentic flavours, and soak in the calm. Stouff Beirut: A flavorful Lebanese feast Located in the World Trade Centre mall, Stouff Beirut brings a vibrant Lebanese-Mediterranean experience to Abu Dhabi with its fire-crafted dishes and artisanal butchery delights. Whether you choose cosy indoor seating or fresh outdoor vibes, it's a great spot for families to gather after a fun-filled day. Dive into a spread of tasty Lebanese mezze, share laughs over flavourful plates, and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. Beetza – For a pizza party done right This buzzing pizzeria brings a slice of Naples to the city with hand-stretched, wood-fired pizzas made using top-notch Italian ingredients. Whether you're a fan of the classic Margherita or love trying quirky global toppings, there's something for every pizza mood. Kids will love the live dough-tossing action, and the colourful vibe makes it perfect for a laid-back family meal. Don't forget to try their locally inspired mocktails for the full experience. So, if your idea of fun includes munching, learning, and exploring new tastes, Abu Dhabi's food scene has it all. This summer in Abu Dhabi? Totally recommended from our side!
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Online pharmacies could face stricter check-ups
Amid rising concerns over unverified prescriptions and a surge in online pharmacies, the government is intensifying regulation and scrutiny on platforms promising medicine delivery within minutes. Complaints regarding bypassed safeguards like age verification have prompted this action. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: The government is working on tightening regulation and scrutiny on online pharmacy platforms delivering medicines within 10-60 minutes amid increasing complaints over unverified prescriptions and mushrooming of such platforms, officials said."The surge in complaints about various e-pharmacy platforms bypassing safeguards such as verification of prescriptions, age-gating and lack of supervision has increased in alarming proportions," an official at the health and family welfare ministry told has been a proliferation of e-pharmacy platforms in recent months. PhonePe's Pincode introduced 10-minute medicine deliveries in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai in April. Private pharmacy chain Davaindia has started 60-minute deliveries in Pune. Zeelab Pharmacy, which raised $2.4 million from OTP Ventures earlier this year, has started 60-minute deliveries in are in addition to rapid expansion of large platforms such as Tata 1mg, PharmEasy and some of these platforms connect consumers with medical stores in the vicinity, others deliver the medicines and drugs through dark stores (or warehouses where stocks are stored and delivered to consumers) similar to quick-commerce grocery reported by ET last week, dark stores selling grocery products and daily essentials are under the scrutiny of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Maharashtra food and drug administration (FDA) amid mounting incidents of hygiene and storage foods companies, too, have flagged urgent concerns over hygiene standards at such dark present, there are no specific regulations that exclusively govern e-pharmacies. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules don't explicitly legalise online pharmacies The government is preparing a new law to replace the existing drug regulations, which are not clearly latest move by the government on e-pharmacies is over and above the Drugs Technical Advisory Board planning to set up a sub-committee to examine withdrawal of doorstep delivery of drugs , following a demand by industry body All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists ( AIOCD ).The association has demanded withdrawal of a government notification that allows doorstep delivery of drugs, a facility which was allowed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. "Emergency phase of the pandemic no longer exists, therefore, the notification is no longer relevant and should be revoked immediately," it said in a letter to health minister JP represents 1.24 million chemists and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had in 2018 issued draft amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, for inclusion of rules to regulate online sale of drugs, inviting objections and suggestions from all chemists' body challenged the notification before the Delhi High Court. In December 2018, the court, in an interim order, had stayed the sale of drugs without licence by online pharmacies. Crisil report on the online pharmacy market estimated that e-pharmacies currently contribute 3-5% of the country's retail pharmacy market, compared to 22-25% in some developed countries. The report valued the overall retail pharmacy market at close to '2.4 lakh crore, led by an unorganised sector with 85% report said online pharmacies "have immense growth potential given their under-penetration in the country." E-pharmacies selling wellness products, medical equipment and other such high-margin products to their mix will add to their growth and profitability, it added.
