India’s UPI scale puts payment security at the centre of inclusion
A Finance Ministry disclosure records 554.9 million onboarded users and outlines safeguards for the digital payments network.
DBC TIMES / South Asia Desk
South Asia Desk
Reporting and analysis from Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, India and neighbouring countries.
Pakistan targets stronger growth while pushing ahead with privatisation
The government’s growth goal and sale plans face tests from energy costs, financing needs and the delivery of economic reforms.
India’s UPI processed 16.73 billion payments in December 2024
Government figures documented rapid payment-system growth, with annual UPI volume reaching about 172 billion transactions.
India counted more than 159,000 recognised startups in January 2025
The government’s nine-year review highlighted jobs, women directors and the spread of entrepreneurship beyond major cities.
India approved a 1,000-crore-rupee venture fund for space startups
The October 2024 Cabinet decision aimed to supply risk capital to companies across the space industry.
Solar kits give displaced Rohingya families a new source of light
Solar lighting is helping some Rohingya families in Bangladesh reduce reliance on unsafe or costly energy sources.
Pakistan and Afghanistan tensions heighten along their border
Renewed tensions have raised concern over security and movement along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
Modi faces economic and political pressures as investors pull back
India’s rapid growth is being tested by foreign investor outflows and higher oil prices.