Paytm Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said on Friday that India’s digital payment system ranks among the most advanced in the world.

He said India is hosting the Summit at a time when the world recognises the country as an able, capable, self-reliant and self-dependent nation.

“Be it our payment system, financial services, AI capability or technology, our country has created is a contribution towards BRICS from our side,” he noted.

Sharma further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pursued the mission of making India self-reliant over the past 10 years.

“Many entrepreneurs like me, along with fellow entrepreneurs and businesses, have contributed to this mission and embraced it as an opportunity. Today, the country’s payment system is among the most advanced in the world,” he told.

Vamsi Udayagiri, Founder and CEO of unified commerce platform Hesa, said the evolving global landscape is creating an opportunity for a new form of global leadership. He said the growing cooperation among major nations such as India, China and Russia could help reshape cross-border economic engagement.

“A new global leadership is emerging because with the evolving global situation, large nations like India, China and Russia coming together will be a great opportunity to actually position where there will be a lot of, you know, ‘cross-border changes in the world and I see a lot of positive changes and especially with our leadership of PM Narendra Modi, where they’re focusing on Startup India, Make in India and more’,” Udayagiri said.

He said the BRICS platform provides India with an opportunity to position itself as a leading voice from the Global South on the world stage.

“I think the kind of leadership that India has taken in AI or digital transformation or economy transformation, especially in terms of GDP growth and the focus on startups, there is a lot that India can position, especially with India driving the MSME cooperation portal for the BRICS economies or invoice discounting for them,” Udayagiri said at the event in the national capital.

India can use the BRICS platform to expand its homegrown technologies and innovations into global markets, creating opportunities for both India and fellow member countries, industry experts said on Friday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Mfundo Thango, CEO of South African company Mpilo-Ende Fortified Foods, said India’s relatively advanced technological ecosystem, particularly in agriculture and agri-tech, could provide a strong foundation for African countries to adopt Indian innovations more widely.

“India is much more developed than South Africa, so I believe the technologies and agri-tech innovations developed here can be adapted and deployed more effectively across Africa, with South Africa serving as a base,” Thango said.

He added that such collaboration could benefit African countries while giving Indian companies opportunities to take their technologies to international markets.

Petr Sizov, Press Secretary at the Russian Embassy in India, said India’s rapid economic growth and expanding cooperation with Russia have created significant opportunities for the two countries to undertake joint projects.

“India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world and is moving rapidly towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy,” Sizov said, adding that more than 110 Russian companies are participating in the BRICS Summit.

He said the strong Russian participation reflected the growing business and economic engagement between the two countries and highlighted the potential for both nations to deepen cooperation through the BRICS platform.

Highlighting India’s BRICS presidency as a major opportunity, Anupam Vohra, Vice President of the Association of Hospitality Professionals Welfare, said the grouping could also strengthen tourism and hospitality ties among member countries.

“Tourism in India is witnessing tremendous growth. Our economy is expanding rapidly and a large number of international tourists are visiting the country,” Vohra said.

He noted that BRICS brings together countries with diverse economic structures, priorities and levels of development. He said this diversity makes it important for member countries to adopt a flexible approach when framing policies and initiatives.

Vohra pointed out that countries such as China have developed highly advanced tourism industries, while Russia faces a different set of challenges because of the ongoing conflict.

He said the diversity within BRICS makes the grouping important for global economic cooperation, as its member countries collectively represent a substantial share of the world’s population and economy.

Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini has praised the success of ‘Hanuman Ansh’, calling the film a superhit.

Speaking to the media, Hema attributed the film’s success to the blessings of Lord Hanuman. She also praised producer Anupriya Nagar for backing the project despite having no previous filmmaking experience.

Although Nagar had never produced a film before, she went ahead with the project, which has now received a positive response from audiences. Hema congratulated Nagar and the entire team on the film’s success.

The ‘Sholay’ actress said, “Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba temple is here. I always go there. And today, I am so happy that a film has been made on them. It has become a superhit. It is Hanuman Ji’s grace, let me tell you. Whoever produced this film, she is a normal, simple girl. She doesn’t even know what filmmaking is. But because of her contribution, it has become so good. Everyone is eager to watch it. I also want to watch it.”

Several celebrities, including Preity Zinta, filmmaker Aditya Dhar and Varun Dhawan, have also praised ‘Hanuman Ansh’. Director Vishal Chaturvedi’s film has attracted attention from Bollywood personalities for its devotional theme and portrayal of Lord Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba.

After watching ‘Hanuman Ansh’ in a theatre, Preity Zinta shared her reaction on social media and encouraged her followers to experience the film on the big screen. The 51-year-old actor posted a glimpse of herself watching the film on her Instagram Stories.

She kept her initial reaction brief, sharing a still from the movie with the words “Sita Ram” and “Wow.” In another post, she urged her followers to watch the film in theatres, writing, “Don’t miss it, folks.”

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar has also praised the film, adding to the growing appreciation from members of the film fraternity.

Dr Vishal Chaturvedi directed and produced “Hanuman Ansh”, which marks Shobhinaw Satyaa’s Bollywood debut. Satyaa plays the lead role of Neem Karoli Baba.

The film also features Chandan Anand, Nikhil Dubey, Udaysinh Rajput, Purnima Tiwari and Mannish Chaudhary in key roles.

Anupriya A. Nagar produced “Hanuman Ansh”, which hit theatres on August 7.

Playing for the country in marquee events such as the Asian Games and Davis Cup brings a distinct level of responsibility compared with competing in individual events throughout the year, said Rohit Rajpal, India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain.

Rajpal, who won a bronze medal in tennis at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, also expressed confidence that Indian tennis will continue its strong medal-winning tradition at the upcoming multi-sport event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The Asian Games will follow India’s Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers Round 2 tie against hosts South Korea in Seoul on September 18 and 19.

“No, it’s just completely different. I mean, there, you’re playing for yourself and your career. You do what you want. Here, you do have a responsibility because you’re playing for your country. So, it’s a different kind of pressure that playing for your country and your flag brings to you when in Davis Cup or playing in Asian Games,” Rajpal told VETO in an exclusive conversation facilitated by the subscription-free OTT platform.

Although India’s tennis contingent has been reduced from 12 to seven, leaving the country without representation in women’s singles, Rajpal remains optimistic about the team’s prospects in Japan.

“But from my times, I was saying earlier as well, I’m an Asian Games medallist. So, even before me, we have always contributed to the medals tally. Tennis has always contributed and we’ve done well for India.

“Even in the last Asian Games, we had three or four medals (one silver and one bronze in mixed doubles and men’s doubles in Hangzhou), if I can recollect. So, we will definitely be contributing this time too.”

Rajpal also discussed the long-standing challenge Indian players face when they transition from successful junior careers on the ITF circuit to professional tennis on the ATP Tour. He attributed part of the difficulty to cultural and developmental factors but noted that modern training methods and stronger support systems are helping Indian players close the physical gap.

“So, the transition traditionally has been a very difficult task because genetically, Indians mature later than, for example, Europeans or Americans. We’ve seen that they mature later – their bodies and mind matures later. That is because of how we are brought up – our family values, etc. We still treat them as children when they are 17 and 18.

“Over there, you need to leave your home and start working and fending for yourself at that age. Once you’re done and you’re expected to build your own life from there. So, all those things really come into play as your personality development, etc and that kind of reflects on the court as well or in sport, any sport that you play. But that is changing as we go along because the game has gotten much more physical.”

Rajpal said Indian players also need structured support to bridge the physical and mental gap as they begin competing against more experienced professionals who are often several years older.

“Then we have good physios and the boys are really, really focused on bridging that gap.

“Also, what happens is that when you’re suddenly playing juniors and you cross that 18 mark and you start playing or even earlier, feature in the men’s game, you’re suddenly playing against players who are 10 years older to you – stronger and more mature.

“So, you need to match up to them and that’s where the problems start coming – that if you’re not physically or mentally not strong enough to match them. So, these are transitional issues that every player faces.

“But we are getting better and better at that now. I think more and more effort will be needed so that the transition period you spend in the same ecosystem where everybody else is transitioning – that it’s a level playing field for everybody,” he concluded.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has strengthened India’s fisheries sector, driving fish production from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

Fisheries exports also climbed from Rs 46,663 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26, reflecting strong growth across the sector, according to a government factsheet released on Thursday.

As PMMSY completes six years on September 10, 2026, the scheme has emerged as a landmark initiative in India’s efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, promote sustainability and improve livelihoods.

Since its launch in 2020, PMMSY has strengthened infrastructure, created new opportunities and provided consistent support to fishers and fish farmers across the country. Building on the Blue Revolution scheme, the government designed PMMSY to address critical gaps across the fisheries value chain.

The scheme has created employment opportunities for 58 lakh people in fisheries and aquaculture-related activities. It has also approved Rs 2,797 crore for cold-chain and marketing infrastructure, improving post-harvest management and market connectivity.

PMMSY has further supported 2,195 Fisheries Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) through projects worth Rs 544.86 crore, strengthening collective empowerment among fishers and fish farmers.

The government has also allocated a record Rs 2,500 crore in the Union Budget for 2026-27 under PMMSY, reaffirming its commitment to the sector, the statement said.

The scheme continues to drive large-scale investments in fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure. As of August 11, 2026, the Department of Fisheries had approved fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 21,394.88 crore for the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26, including a Central share of Rs 9,510.89 crore.

The Department approved these projects based on proposals submitted by States, Union Territories and various implementing agencies. The investments are supporting infrastructure development and strengthening the fisheries value chain across the country.

Under PMMSY, the government is also expanding fisheries infrastructure, with a focus on fishing harbours, fish landing centres, cold chains, transportation and marketing facilities.

Over the last five years, the Department of Fisheries has approved Rs 3,741.89 crore for 28 fishing harbour development projects, 25 fish landing centre projects and 23 dredging projects.

PMMSY aims to transform India’s fisheries sector by increasing production and productivity, modernising the value chain, creating livelihood opportunities, raising incomes, boosting exports and Gross Value Added (GVA), strengthening fishers’ security and welfare, and improving fisheries management and regulation, the statement added.

Agentic artificial intelligence (AI) can help banks deliver personalised financial services to thousands of customers. However, financial institutions will need clear frameworks to govern AI agents as the technology moves beyond recommendations to executing decisions, State Bank of India Chairman CS Setty said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Setty said banks were entering the next phase of AI adoption. He highlighted the deployment of AI agents across financial services as a major opportunity for the sector.

“Artificial intelligence should always augment human resources,” Setty said. He noted that banks may face high initial costs when deploying agentic AI, but lower incremental costs as adoption expands could help them achieve greater economic efficiency.

Setty said banks need to build foundational AI models to develop strategic capabilities in artificial intelligence. He added that agentic AI could help banks deliver more personalised financial services at scale.

However, the diverse and complex nature of the Indian market presents challenges for financial institutions adopting the technology, he said.

Banks have used machine learning (ML) models for several years, but Setty identified the deployment of AI agents across financial services as the next major opportunity.

SBI has emerged as an early adopter of artificial intelligence and machine learning in banking. The bank already uses conventional AI-based approaches for credit assessment and cash flow-based lending, Setty said.

Setty also highlighted the role of India’s digital infrastructure in accelerating technology adoption. “India has successfully converted digital infrastructure into trust and then converted that trust into scale,” he said.

As banks integrate agentic AI more deeply into their operations, they will need clear frameworks covering the identity and authentication of AI agents, customer consent and transaction limits, according to Setty.

He said banks must also strengthen accountability as AI systems move beyond providing recommendations and start executing decisions.

The makers of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s upcoming film, tentatively titled #L370, have warned the public about fake audition calls circulating in the film’s name.

The team clarified that it has neither authorised nor announced any auditions or casting requirements for the project at this stage.

Director Jude Anthany Joseph, who will helm #L370, took to social media to alert the public about the fraudulent audition calls.

He wrote, “Please be aware of fake audition posters, messages, or calls circulating in the name of L370. We have not authorised or announced any auditions or casting requirements for L370 at this time. Please do not share personal information, documents, or make any payments in response to such calls or posts. For any official casting announcements, please rely only on our verified and authorised communication channels. Please stay alert and beware of fraud.”

A couple of days ago, Mohanlal had expressed his excitement about reuniting with well-known producer Ashiq Usman for his upcoming film #L370.

Taking to X, Mohanlal wrote, “Thrilled to team up with Ashiq Usman once again, this time under the direction of Jude Anthany Joseph for #L370.”

Ashiq Usman’s production house, Ashiq Usman Productions, also expressed excitement about collaborating with Mohanlal for a second film.

The production house wrote, “Proud and thrilled to announce our next production, L370. Featuring the one and only Lalettan, the legendary actor who continues to inspire generations.

“Another special journey, another unforgettable collaboration with a true icon.

“Directed by @judeanthanyjoseph L370, the journey begins. #L370 #Lalettan #Mohanlal #JudeAnthanyJoseph #ashiqusman.”

Interestingly, Jude Anthany Joseph’s previous film was ‘Thudakkam’, which marked the acting debut of Mohanlal’s daughter Vismaya Mohanlal. The film has enjoyed a strong theatrical run and recently completed 35 days in cinemas.

Mohanlal took to X to celebrate the milestone, writing, “Celebrating 35 glorious days and the incredible people who made #Thudakkam possible. This journey is ours. This love is yours.”

Meanwhile, producer Ashiq Usman recently announced the completion of shooting for ‘Athimanoharam’, his first collaboration with Mohanlal. A week ago, Usman announced that the team had wrapped up filming and moved on to dubbing. The film, which stars Meera Jasmine as the female lead, has generated considerable interest among fans and film enthusiasts.

‘Athimanoharam’, initially referred to as #L366, features Mohanlal as a police officer named T S Lovelajan. Tharun Moorthy has directed the film.

While the makers have revealed little about #L370 so far, industry sources suggest that the upcoming film will be a colourful entertainer.

Young Uttarakhand batter Lakshya Raichandani said he is “honoured” to lead the India U19 side in the upcoming three unofficial ODIs against Australia U19, beginning September 18.

Raichandani, who currently plays for Mussoorie Thunder, will captain India’s U19 white-ball side. He will also serve as vice-captain in the two unofficial Tests scheduled from September 28 to October 8.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Raichandani reflected on the opportunity and his preparations for the series in Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

“It is a great opportunity; it’s an honour to be a captain for the Indian team,” he said. “It is an added responsibility, so I am very excited for this opportunity, and I want to lead everyone, create a positive environment and give my 100%.”

Raichandani’s family is also excited to see him lead the national junior side when Australia arrive in India.

“(My) Family is very excited and happy, but as I said, it is a great opportunity, and it is an added responsibility, so it is very good, and I am looking forward to the captaincy,” Raichandani added.

The 17-year-old earned the captaincy after producing a series of impressive performances in the U19 circuit. He scored a double century and a century in two Youth Tests against Sri Lanka U19 and followed that with two half-centuries in the two Youth ODIs against the same opposition.

However, Raichandani said he will stick to his usual preparation rather than make major changes based on Australia’s playing style.

“Preparation is the same as what I normally do, and it is going on. I don’t change much when seeing their brand of cricket. But we will see their style of play through the video footage, and we will make a plan for them,” he added.

Alongside his impressive performances for India U19, Raichandani recently scored a 76 in the Dehradun T20 League. He said his priority remains contributing to the team rather than focusing solely on his individual performances.

“I wanted to play for the team, and I wanted to contribute for the team, and my intent was the same. It was positive. I have a normal mindset whether I go well or not, from a confidence point of view. I have confidence, but I wanted to play for the team and contribute.

“It was very good. My aim has been for the team. The form gives you confidence, but I will keep the same mindset,” he said.

Raichandani also spoke about the inaugural Dehradun T20 League, describing it as an important stepping stone for young cricketers from Uttarakhand’s grassroots.

“It is a very exciting league, and it is a very good tournament for Dehradun’s local players. They will get a very good opportunity, and it is a very good tournament to improve their T20 game for UPL. It is a very good platform, as players will get to learn a lot from experienced players,” he added.

Praising India’s remarkable rise in fintech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the country’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is the “undisputed champion” of this success story.

Inaugurating the ‘Global Fintech Fest 2026’ here, PM Modi said, “This is such a massive transformation that whenever fintech is discussed, it will remain incomplete without UPI.”

Reflecting on UPI’s 10th anniversary, which India celebrated on August 25, the Prime Minister contrasted the scepticism of financial elites in its early days with the current reality, where millions of previously unbanked citizens now participate in the digital economy.

Modi said India recorded more than 24 billion UPI transactions in August alone, with roughly 50 lakh transactions processed in the first 10 minutes of the event. Citing French President Emmanuel Macron, he said UPI’s phenomenal adoption goes beyond technology.

“It is because of this impact that French President Emmanuel Macron said that UPI is not just a tech story, it is a civilizational story,” PM Modi remarked.

Highlighting UPI’s global expansion, the Prime Minister said India’s flagship digital payment system is now live in 11 countries, transforming what once seemed unimaginable into an everyday reality for international payments.

“These are astonishing figures that tell us how long a journey we have covered,” the Prime Minister said.

Looking ahead, Modi urged the fintech industry to treat these achievements as a starting point rather than a destination.

Outlining the next phase of international digital payments, the Prime Minister stressed the need to integrate UPI with the domestic payment systems of partner countries, similar to the seamless cross-border connectivity India has established with Singapore. He urged stakeholders to link financial networks in countries with large Indian populations or significant trade ties with India.

“Wherever Indians live in large numbers, wherever India trades on a large scale, whichever country in the world is ready to walk with us, we have to work to connect them all,” the Prime Minister said.

Emphasising the economic benefits for the diaspora, PM Modi said reducing transaction costs for the world’s largest remittance-sending population remains a critical priority. He said global integration of digital payment systems could speed up the transfer of funds to families in India.

“UPI can bring savings to Indians in this as well, and the money can reach Indian families faster,” he pointed out.

Urging a shift in financial infrastructure, the Prime Minister criticised India’s historical reliance on foreign-designed card payment standards and called for indigenous rules and protocols. He expressed confidence that the domestic industry can develop standards with global relevance.

“Now we can make our own rules and standards and connect them with the world,” PM Modi remarked.

Reiterating his vision of using technology to empower citizens, the Prime Minister praised UPI as a powerful tool for financial inclusion, saying it has reached areas that traditional banking models failed to serve. He said the true measure of innovation lies in taking financial services directly to individuals.

“Where traditional banks could not reach, where bank branches could not reach, UPI has taken the banking system to that place, to that person,” the Prime Minister said.

Charting the future of India’s fintech sector, Modi stressed the need to move beyond payments and expand access to credit, insurance, savings, investments and pension products. He urged the industry to take its services to the next level.

“Now in the fintech market, along with payments, the share of credit transactions must also increase,” the Prime Minister said.

India reiterated its commitment to support Nepal’s ongoing relief and rescue operations following devastating flash floods, saying it will continue to provide assistance based on the requirements on the ground.

Addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has so far sent 95 tonnes of relief material on seven aircraft and deployed forensic and tunnel rescue teams to assist Nepal’s relief and rescue efforts.

“We have expressed solidarity and sympathy with the people and government of Nepal, and we are doing our best to help them in this particular disaster. As a close friend and neighbour, India responded promptly and will continue to support Nepal’s relief, rescue, and reconstruction efforts. We have sent 95 tonnes of relief material on board seven aircraft, and we will send more material soon. Our forensic team and tunnel rescue team are operating on the ground and assisting in the rescue and relief efforts,” Jaiswal said.

“The forensic team is currently working in two laboratories in Kathmandu and processing 1,200 DNA samples. We will continue to support Nepal based on its requirements. As I told you last time, 275 Indian nationals remain missing in this disaster, while 169 Indian nationals have been rescued so far. The 275 missing Indian nationals also include 49 people who went missing on the Chinese side,” he said.

Jaiswal further said the Indian government had been actively assisting Indian nationals following the disaster. India has set up 24×7 control rooms in India, Beijing and Kathmandu to assist them and ensure their safety and welfare.

“When this disaster unfolded in Nepal, we actively assisted Indian nationals. We set up control rooms here, in Beijing and in Kathmandu, operating 24×7, and we have been staffing these control rooms and doing our best for our people. There may be occasional cases here and there where we may have fallen short of expectations. But let me tell you that we have always sought to do our best for our people, and we remain committed to their welfare, safety and wellbeing,” the MEA spokesperson said.

A massive flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa after originating in China’s Tibetan region on August 26.

The flood swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, killing more than 1,000 people, including foreign nationals, and causing widespread destruction across the Himalayan nation.