CURRENT CONTEXT: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India as the global leader in fast payments. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the number one real-time payment system, surpassing Visa.
ABOUT UNIFIED PAYMENTS INTERFACE (UPI):
- Instant payment system developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Built over Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)
DIGITAL FOUNDATION OF UPI:
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Over 55 crore bank accounts opened.
- Aadhaar and Digital Identity: Enabled secure authentication.
- Connectivity and 5G Revolution: Enabled broad digital access.
UPI AS A GAME CHANGER:
- Digital Public Infrastructure: Open-source platform, unlike closed loop systems.
- Easy Integration: Supports both real-time and batch settlements.
- Interoperability: Enables user choice and easy market entry.
- Cross-border Transfers: Platform-based international payment solution.
- Global Expansion: Operational in Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France, Namibia.
Supports Regional Languages in India for ease of access.