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A ‘miracle’ in India will disrupt e-wallets and incumbents
As countries around the globe endure fragmented payment markets, where citizens and businesses suffer from cash dependency, poor accessibility, high transaction costs and low interoperability between different payment systems, India’s Unified Payment Interface presents a miracle model that other developing economies can emulate, as they look to move away from cash-centricity and overhaul their own payments infrastructure in pursuit of speed, security, auditability and financial inclusion.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Concern Worldwide, Trickle Up and MetLife Foundation to support ultra poor women in Bangladesh
The program aims to support 600 families through an adapted graduation approach and increase access and usage of financial services for 12,400 women.
- Region
- South Asia
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Bandhan-Konnagar expected to get Rs900 crore from World Bank, 3 states
The World Bank, governments of Rajasthan, Bihar and Jharkhand to fund Bandhan-Konnagar’s programme for poverty alleviation to benefit at least 300,000 families.
- Region
- South Asia
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Pakistan’s Central Bank Tells Banks to Cut Ties to Cryptocurrencies
In a statement published on the central bank’s website, it states cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender.
- Region
- South Asia
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Omidyar Network Led $2.8 Mn Seed Funding Round In Fintech Startup Kaleidofin
Chennai-based fintech startup Kaleidofin has raised over $2.8 Mn in seed funding from Omidyar Network. Blume Ventures and individual investors – including Israeli serial entrepreneur and inventor, Professor Shlomo Ben-Haim – have also participated in the round. This is Professor Ben-Haim’s first investment in India.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Press release: Duke’s Community-Based Toilet System Begins Testing in India
The system is designed to reuse water, a huge plus in drought-prone areas. And while it does require a modest power supply, these needs can be met through solar panels or other off-grid solutions. The end goal is a stand-alone system that can help meet the needs of the 2.4 billion people who lack access to safe and effective sanitation.
- Categories
- Health Care, WASH
- Region
- South Asia
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Reserve Bank of India bars banks from links to cryptocurrencies like bitcoin
RBI, however, has set up a group to study and provide guidance on the desirability and feasibility of introducing a central bank digital currency.
- Region
- South Asia
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Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund and International Trade Centre ink Memorandum of Understanding for mutual cooperation
Rob Skidmore, Chief, Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Division of Enterprises and Institutions, ITC, said, “ITC is delighted to combine our knowledge of SME competitiveness and value chains with PPAF’s deep expertise in grass roots development SME competitiveness and improving value chains and PPAF’s deep expertise in grass roots development to make a real difference in the lives of the poor.”
- Region
- South Asia
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