24th December 2024  Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India  India is witnessing a boom in start-ups, with many focusing on creating eco-friendly products that prioritise environmental conservation. Among these is Raipur-based start-up Gift Kya De (GKD), a rare manufacturing company that has carved a niche for itself nationwide through its innovative approach and dedicated efforts. By producing Make-in-India products, GKD is playing a crucial role in promoting local manufacturing and self-reliance.

Recognised among India’s Best

Gift Kya De has achieved a major milestone by being selected among the Top 54 D2C start-ups in the prestigious Amazon Propel Start-up Accelerator Season 4. This achievement becomes even more significant considering that over 900 entries were received, out of which only 54 visionary brands made it to the exclusive list. This recognition solidifies GKD’s position as a key player in the eco-friendly and customised gift industry.

What is Amazon Propel?

The Amazon Propel Start-up Accelerator is the flagship program of Amazon Global Selling. It is designed to identify and support promising direct-to-consumer (D2C) start-ups, helping them achieve global expansion. Often likened to India’s popular Shark Tank TV show, Amazon Propel selects entrepreneurs based on the strength of their ideas, business model, and potential for growth. Participants gain access to mentorship, resources, and a platform to showcase their products to a wider international audience.

A Result of Team and Customer Efforts

The directors of GKD credit this success to the trust of their customers, the relentless efforts of their team, and the unwavering support of their investors. They also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Amazon Global Selling Team for providing this incredible platform that allows GKD to establish a global presence.

Speaking about this milestone, the GKD team shared, “This wouldn’t have been possible without the trust of our amazing customers, the relentless efforts of our incredible GKDians team, the belief of our investors, and the constant support from our well-wishers.”

Redefining Eco-Friendly and Customised Products

Gift Kya De is known for producing environmentally friendly and completely safe products. Additionally, the company specialises in customised products that are not only of superior quality but also captivate customers with their unique designs. Their offerings cater to modern consumer demands for sustainability and personalisation, making them a standout in a competitive market.

Vision for the Future

Amandeep Singh Bhatia and Suyash Chandel, Directors of GKD Solutions Pvt. Ltd., shared their thoughts on this milestone, “This is just the beginning. Together, we will continue to redefine the world of eco-friendly products and gifting while maintaining our customers’ trust.”

This journey of Gift Kya De is not just an achievement but an inspiration for how Indian start-ups can make a mark on the global stage. With its commitment to sustainable practices and customised solutions, GKD aims to further strengthen its mission and explore new dimensions in the realm of eco-friendly and customised products. As the brand continues to propel forward, it remains committed to redefining the future of gifting with sustainability and innovation at its core.

24th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Tis the season for whipping up famed family holiday recipes and serving special, homemade holiday desserts. With so many treats surrounding us this time of year, it’s easy to accidentally overindulge. Combine the loads of delicious food with cold weather and a lack of regular sleep and exercise (not to mention the stress of the times we are living in), and you might find yourself headed straight to sniffle town.

Thankfully, there are ways you can enjoy yourself while staying happy and healthy this holiday season. Here are some simple and effective tips from Celebrity Nutritionist Neha Ranglani to help you enjoy the holiday season while staying in your best health!

1. Workout at Home
Setting realistic workout expectations is important. Gyms are notoriously empty during the last months of the year, and there is a reason for that. During the cold weather season, extra time is spent with friends and family, and going to the gym becomes less of a priority. But just because you can’t go, or maybe you just don’t feel like going to the gym right now, doesn’t mean you can’t sneak some exercise into your day from the comfort of your own home.

A little exercise can boost your energy levels and allow you to feel much better mentally, physically, and emotionally, so ditch the exercise guilt this holiday season and burn off some calories with easy at-home workouts.

2. Substitute Ingredients
Not all holiday recipes need to be strictly followed. Ingredient substitutions are a great way to exercise creativity in the kitchen and pay attention to your health at the same time. For example, skip the breadcrumbs and use finely chopped California walnuts as a coating for fish or poultry instead. Not only is this a nutritious alternative, but it also adds a delicious crunch. They are also an ultimate kitchen essential, delivering a plant-based nutritional punch, endless versatility, and unbeatable flavor. If you’re looking to make a variety of sauces this holiday season, grind walnuts into a meal and use them as a creamy and wholesome thickener for your sauces. Remember, there’s no need to compromise nutrition or taste when you’re making your favorite holiday recipes!

3. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle
Taking small steps to maintain a balanced daily routine is essential when it comes to sustaining good health during the holidays. Here are some tips that can help alleviate stress, one of the most important ways to stay healthy, especially in these times. Don’t forget to:

• Get enough sleep: Balancing holiday parties, get-togethers, shopping, cooking, and other typical traditions can be absolutely draining. Make sure you’re getting enough rest to let your body recover from all the activity!
• Stay hydrated: Dry, cold weather can easily take a toll on your body, so ensure you’re drinking enough water each day.
• Engage in some form of exercise: Whether you do some squats while you watch your favorite Christmas movie or sneak in a set of push-ups and sit-ups before you hop in the shower, keep your body active in any way, shape, or form.
• Listen to your body: Self-care is an important aspect of health, and if your body is telling you it needs more rest or more nutrients, make sure to listen to it.
• Balance your wants and needs: Depriving yourself of a piece of pie won’t make you happy. Exercise may be good for the body, but dessert is good for the soul, so, if you’re conscious of your choices during the holidays, you’ll be able to have your cake, and eat it, too!
• Your health is extremely important, but taking the time to enjoy the holiday season – desserts included! – is a must. Following the simple tips above will help you maintain your health and happiness throughout the holidays so you can spend more time with friends and family, and less time worrying about catching a winter cold.

24th December 2024  Putrajaya, Malaysia  The government has announced an extension of the visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026.

In a statement on Friday (Dec 20), Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman said this was in line with Malaysia’s 2025 Asean chairmanship and preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

He added that the government had extended a similar visa exemption to Chinese nationals until the same date.

Awang Alik said the government’s visa liberalisation plan, which has been in place since December 1, 2023, aims to boost the country’s economic and tourism sectors while maintaining national security.

As part of this plan, a 30-day visa exemption is granted to nationals of the People’s Republic of China and India.

“This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a travel destination while ensuring the safety and security of the nation,” he said.

24th December 2024  Jeddah, Saudi Arabia  Saudia Group has announced exceptional On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings, for its subsidiaries, Saudia and flyadeal, achieving impressive global results, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for November 2024.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has emerged as the new leader among global industry peers, ranking first in On-Time Performance with an impressive on-time arrival rate of 89.85 percent. This achievement comes after operating more than 16,300 flights and marks the third time, following its first-place rankings in June and July of 2024. This accomplishment reiterates the integration and efficiency of Saudia’s operations.

flyadeal, one of the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, achieved a remarkable on-time performance (OTP) of 90.48 percent, securing the second position in the global low-cost airline category for the second consecutive month. Notably, flyadeal was ranked first in this category in September 2024.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “These outstanding results underscore the strategic importance of safe and timely operations, which significantly enhance customer confidence across our entire group. Saudia and flyadeal’s commitment to operational excellence is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated front-line staff and the invaluable support from all Saudia Group business units.”

He added, “Saudia’s comprehensive transformation program, “Shine” has been instrumental in achieving this accomplishment. Through the program, we launch initiatives aimed at enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency, as well as improving various services and products.”

Jeremy Bowen, Cirium Chief Executive Officer added, “It’s fantastic to see Saudia take the top spot as the most on-time global airline in November, paired with sister carrier flyadeal which secured an impressive second place in the LCC category. These achievements really demonstrate the exceptional operational success of the Saudia Group. Their ongoing dedication to excellence and ability to deliver outstanding results month after month is truly commendable. They continue to set high standards and reinforce their significant impact on the airline industry.”

Within the upcoming few years, Saudia will be receiving 130 new aircraft, which aligns with the plan to double its seating capacity, reach new global destinations, as well as its commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030. Saudia current fleet consists of 144 aircraft connecting the Kingdom with over 100 global destinations. The national flag carrier offers exceptional air services, blending warm Saudi hospitality with diverse, multilingual in-flight entertainment to suit all guest preferences.

flyadeal has a fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft operating from three main bases in Saudi Arabia – Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam – to almost 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across the Kingdom and selected Middle East, European and North African cities. From early 2025, flying options will increase significantly as the airline embarks on an international expansion drive.

24th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  Having carved a distinct niche for itself in offering innovative, creative and futuristic solutions to clients in on-ground promotions, Xperia Gruoup has been registering an impressive growth trajectory over the years adding on impressive and distinguished clientele. With an ambitious expansion underway, the Group is joined by top Marketing professional of PVR – Mr Arindam Pal. Mr Pal joins Xperia Group as Business Head – Integrated Sales.

Armed with a Management degree from Indian School of Business (ISB) with a robust sense in sales management, analytical task management skills, Pal has had a chequered career in marketing and sales spanning over 24 years across sectors viz. Media (TV, Radio), Cinema, Banking, Financial Services and Telecom Industry. He has a strong edge and expertise to transform businesses with a sharp focus in steering his competitive Go-to-Market strategies, policies and SOPs for driving sales, accelerating YOY business growth. Pal has been ensuring customer delight and accomplishing multi-digit revenue increase while working with top notch organisations like PVR INOX Ltd (VP), Fever FM & Radio One (VP & Operations Head), Bharti Airtel Ltd., Religare Finvest Ltd, Times Business Solution Ltd. HDFC Bank etc.

Speaking on his new role at Xperia Group, Mr Pal said, “I am indeed happy to join a professionally managed Group like Xperia. My role in Group is cut out to drive growth, create niche and effective solutions and expand multiple-fold using creative, technological advancements. The market has huge potential and offers immense opportunities with creative and out-of-the-box ideas to delight clients. The team has good expertise and I am confident that we can take the growth story of Xperia Group to the next level.”

According to Mr Saibal Gupta, Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer – Xperia Group, “We are delighted to have a seasoned marketing profesional like Arindam in our team. Arindam comes with cutting-edge marketing solutions, expert knowledge and sound delivery. His versatility in delighting clients is a well-known fact in various industries and we are looking forward to delight our clients too.”

24th December 2024  Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India In a landmark move to revolutionize the state’s educational system, the Himachal Pradesh government formalized its partnership with the Piramal Foundation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is set to align with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on fostering 21st-century skills, strengthening leadership, and enabling systemic change.

At its core, the initiative aims to cultivate Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEEL) among the students of HP, paving the way for a future-ready and compassionate generation of learners. Piramal Foundation and the Himachal Pradesh government had signed a Letter of Intent earlier in May 2024 and have now formalized their commitment by signing a 5-year MoU.

The SEE Learning Program developed at the Compassion Centre, at Emory University, USA, was implemented in India through a partnership between Piramal Foundation and Emory University in 2019. This program enables students to strengthen themselves from within through a scientifically robust curriculum that teaches Compassion in the same way as one would teach Geography and Mathematics.

Over the past five years, Piramal Foundation has successfully implemented the SEE Learning program in 6 states across 100,000+ schools across India.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow into a good human being, but achieving this is no simple task. It requires a well-structured system to instill these values in our schools. And SEE Learning is perhaps the only solution that we can see. We were genuinely excited when this idea was first introduced. I see this as a valuable opportunity, and we are committed to making the most of it to ensure that every child in Himachal Pradesh benefits from this program,” said Shri Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary of Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

“This MoU holds great significance not just for the Piramal Foundation and the Government of Himachal Pradesh but, most importantly, for the children of Himachal Pradesh. Through this partnership, they will gain access to Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEEL). At Piramal Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that SEEL reaches every child, in every classroom, leaving no one behind,” said Saurabh Johri, Co-founder & Director, SOESC, Piramal School of Leadership.

“Integrating Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) within education is essential for shaping a society rooted in compassion and strength. We are committed to embedding these transformative principles into the heart of India’s school system, nurturing academic growth along with empathy, ethical values, and emotional resilience among students. I believe this partnership with the Himachal Pradesh government is a significant step towards integrating SEE Learning into the state’s educational framework and paving the way for a more inclusive, compassionate, and future-ready education system for students across the region,” Monal Jayaram, Co-founder & Director, SOESC, Piramal School of Leadership.

“The critical need for compassionate education has never been more relevant, and we are taking this forward through SEE Learning. We deeply appreciate the profound support of Piramal Foundation in this endeavour,” said Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director, the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory University.

Other distinguished dignitaries present at the occasion included: Mr. Chhime Regzing Chhoekyapa, Senior Secretary at Office of the His Holiness Dalai Lama; Ms. Anshu Dubey and Mr. Ghanshyam Soni, Core Team Members, Piramal School of Leadership (PSL); Ms. Seema Verma, Coordinator, SPD Office, Samagra Shiksha; Ms. Maulshree Kalothia, Program Director, PSL; and Mr. Rajender Kumar, Program Manager, PSL.

This partnership between Piramal School of Leadership and the Himachal Pradesh Government marks a significant step towards creating a more equitable, innovative, and impactful education system.

24th December 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd (BHFL) launches the new Dual Rate feature for Home Loans and Loans Against Property in line with their focus on providing borrowers convenient repayment options to help make dream homes a reality.

Key Features

With Dual Rate Home Loans and Loans Against Property, borrowers enjoy a fixed interest rate for the first three years of their repayment tenor. Consequently, with fixed EMIs over this period, borrowers benefit from predictability in their repayment obligation with removed interest rate volatility.

After the first three years, the loan converts to a floating interest rate loan linked to the BHFL Floating Rate Reference (FRR), allowing borrowers to benefit from changes in market conditions.

Applicability

Both salaried and self-employed individuals can benefit from this new feature, as well as a host of other features, such as competitive interest rates and quick and hassle-free processing on over 6,000 approved projects.

Further, in terms of Home Loans, the Dual Rate feature can be availed of by both – prospective borrowers looking to avail of a fresh Home Loan to purchase property, or existing borrowers looking to transfer their Home Loan for more favourable borrowing terms.

23rd December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  As the world eagerly anticipates the release of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” Parimatch Sports, a high-quality sportswear brand and associate sponsor of PKL, has launched a powerful campaign dedicated to this iconic sport. Drawing parallels to epic gladiatorial battles, the campaign captures the essence of sport—courage, strength, and strategy—along with the brand’s commitment to empowering your inner champion.

The flagship video of the campaign takes us on a journey to a gladiator arena, invoking the spirit of competition and valor. The tension is palpable as the iconic ‘kabaddi-kabaddi’ chant echoes, setting the stage for a legendary confrontation. The video draws powerful parallels between the bravery of a Kabaddi raider and that of a gladiator facing multiple opponents. As the intensity builds, the narrative asks, “Hai Himmat Panga Lene Ki?” (Are you daring enough to take the challenge?), inviting fans to reflect on their own courage.

The campaign reflects Parimatch Sports’ commitment to empowering fans to embrace challenges and strive for victory, mirroring the tenacity of Kabaddi players.

“It is more than just a promotion; it’s an anthem to the spirit of Kabaddi and its athletes like Parteek Dahiya from Gujarat Giants, Ashu Malik from Dabang Delhi, Vijay Malik from Telugu Titans, highlighting resilience and pride in this traditional Indian sport.” commented the Parimatch Sports Press Office. “We aim to inspire our audience to embrace challenges and strive for victory, as Kabaddi champions do.”

As an Official Partner of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) since 2021, Parimatch Sports has long expanded its collaboration beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing on enriching fans’ experience. The partnership includes exclusive meet-ups with PKL legends, memorable giveaways, and unique events designed to deepen fans’ connection to Pro Kabaddi.

23rd December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Audible, an Amazon company and a leading global provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, released its lists of Most Listened To content, across genres and formats (podcasts and audiobooks) for the year 2024 on Audible’s service in India.

11 Rules for Life by renowned author Chetan Bhagat, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari, and Make Epic Money by Ankur Warikoo stood out among the Most Popular Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024 while George Orwell’s 1984 narrated by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Andrew Scott, and Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition) featuring Sharad Kelkar, Mithila Palkar and Neelam Kothari Soni ranked high among the Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts.

Among the Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024, returning favourites that captured listeners’ attention all year were Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, and The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness among others. These titles not only dominated the charts throughout 2024 but have also consistently ranked among the top for the past four years, keeping listeners hooked and inspired year after year. Among Most Popular Podcasts in 2024 were Kama Sutra, and Kaali Awaazein brought to life by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan!

Below is the list of most-listened genres and categories on Audible’s service in India in 2024. For the full list of titles, refer to the appendix. *

• Science Fiction & Fantasy was the most-listened-to genre among members with fan-favourite audiobooks such as the Harry Potter series (Book 1, Book 3, and Book 4), Mythos, and Dune drawing listeners into imaginative and fantastical worlds, re-affirming the genre’s timeless appeal.
• Close behind was Literature & Fiction spanning a variety of sub-categories like Romance, Mysteries & Thrillers, among others, featuring popular audiobooks and podcasts—including Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection, The Alchemist, Woh Kaun Thi?, Malang Ishq, The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi)—that continue to strike a chord with a broad and diverse audience.
• Debuting among the most-listened-to sub-genres among the larger Self-Development category were Parenting & Relationships and Business and Careers, reflecting a growing focus on personal growth and self-development. Popular titles like Ikigai, and Thinking, Fast and Slow are hit audiobooks in the category while Secrets of Good Health (Season 2) and Corporate Chanakya are among the popular podcasts.
• Following the introduction of the Kids Profile feature on Audible, Children’s Audiobooks emerged as a much-loved category, with “edutainment” titles capturing the imagination of children and their parents alike. Harry Potter series (Book 2, Book 5, Book 6, and Book 7), Panchatantra, and Disney’s Frozen: Olaf’s Quest are popular titles in this category, fostering a shared family experience.
• Rounding off the top genres is Religion & Spirituality, a perennial favourite among Indian listeners. Popular titles include audiobooks such as Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition), and Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition), among others along with podcasts like Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath and The Stories of Mahabharata to name a few.

Karen Appathurai Wiggins, Head of Content, APAC Audible, said, “Reflecting on another remarkable year at Audible, we are truly inspired by how deeply storytelling continues to resonate with our audiences in India. It’s equally exciting to witness their openness to exploring diverse genres as listening preferences continue to evolve. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering—to curate unparalleled audio experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire. With the penultimate goal of making knowledge and literature accessible to Indians, we are striving toward building a library that celebrates the power of storytelling, offering a rich and diverse collection of audiobooks and podcasts with something for everyone.”

APPENDIX

* Check out all the Top 5 Most Listened to categories below #AudibleStats2024:

AUDIOBOOKS –

• Top 5 Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024
• Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
• The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
• Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
• Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

Top 5 Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024

• 11 Rules for Life: Secrets to Level Up (Unabridged)
• Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI (Unabridged)
• Make Epic Money (Unabridged)
• Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta (Hindi Edition): Voice of Krishna (Unabridged)
• Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy (Unabridged)

Top 5 Religion and Spirituality Audiobooks

• Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Shiv Puran (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Mahabharat Katha [Mahabharata Story] (Unabridged)
• Kautilya Arthshastra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

Top 5 Kids Listens

• Panchatantra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• The Blue Umbrella (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Book 2 (Unabridged)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Book 4 (Unabridged)

Top 5 Self-Help Audiobooks

• Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
• The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
• How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
• 48 Laws of Power (Unabridged)
• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Unabridged)

Top 5 Action & Adventure Audiobooks

• Twisted Love: Twisted, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• The Guy Next Door (Hindi Edition)
• George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
• Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu: Kalki Trilogy, Book 1 (Unabridged)
• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection (Unabridged)

PODCASTS

Top 5 Most Popular Originals & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

• Kama Sutra
• Kaali Awaazein
• Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
• Vikram Betaal
• Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra

Top 5 Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

• George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
• The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi Edition)
• Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition)
• Veda 360 Degrees: Deep Dive into the Foundation of Sanatan Dharma (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
• Suno Mahabharat Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath (Listen to Mahabharata with Devdutt Pattanaik)

Top 5 Wellness & Self-Help Podcasts

• Kama Sutra
• Chanakya for Youth
• Secrets of Good Health Season 2
• Corporate Chanakya (English)
• Secrets of Good Health

Top 5 Mythology Podcasts

• Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
• The Stories of Mahabharata
• Shree Bhagavad Gita As It Is
• Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra
• Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta: Voice of Krishna

Top 5 Drama & Romance Podcasts

• Permanent Roommates: He Said, She Said
• Ravan Rising
• Thriller Factory
• Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Hindi Edition)
• Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya, Season 1

Top 5 Action & Adventure Podcasts

• Kaali Awaazein
• Vikram Betaal
• Bhoot Kaal
• Bhoot Kaal with Neelesh Misra, Season 2
• Baby Doll

23rd December 2024  Delhi, India  PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, has announced the integration of LazyPayEMI solution into its checkout platform. This integration underscores PayU’s commitment to enhancing affordability and accessibility in digital payments, empowering merchants to offer seamless paymentoptions for high-value online purchases to customers at checkout.

LazyPay EMI is designed to streamline high-value online purchases by providing consumers with flexible and hassle-free checkout options. By integrating this solution into PayU’s checkout infrastructure, merchants can now enhance the checkout process for transactions ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1 lakh, with repayment terms spanning 3 to 12 months.

The integration will enable PayU’s extensive merchant base of over 5 lakh businesses to offer flexible checkout options to millions of customers, driving higher conversions and expanding their reach. Simultaneously, LazyPay’s 3 million active users will benefit from seamless access to PayU’s diverse merchant network, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that enhances affordability and convenience.

Commenting on the partnership, Nikhil Mehta, Senior Vice President – Payments Strategy and Partnerships- PayU, said, “We are thrilled to integrate LazyPayEMI into our platform. Digital credit adoption is expected to reach ₹7.6 trillion by 2026, and we expect this partnership to play a pivotal role in expanding access to affordable credit for millions of customers who may not have access to traditional credit cards. We expect this move to also boost transaction volumes and merchant conversions significantly by enabling more consumers to access instant credit at checkout.”

“The integration of LazyPay EMI into PayU’s checkout platform marks an important step in our mission to make high-value purchases more affordable and accessible for Indian consumers. This collaboration enables millions of customers to seamlessly opt for flexible repayment plans without the need for a credit card, while helping merchants increase conversions and reach new customer segments. By delivering a smoother and more accessible payment experience, we continue to address evolving consumer needs and drive significant growth opportunities for businesses,” Ankit Nahata, Business Head – LazyPay added.

The LazyPay EMI solution eliminates the need for a credit card, offering a seamless experience supported by easy API integration. Key features of the solution include online KYC processing, easy EMI plan selection, and secure e-signing, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly process for both consumers and merchants. This integration is expected to drive significant growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) by unlocking new customer segments and enhancing the overall shopping experience.