MAM
KAZO ropes in Bollywood sensation Janhvi Kapoor as the new brand ambassador
Mumbai: KAZO Fashion, the iconic fashion brand renowned for its versatile designs and unmatched quality announced the appointment of Janhvi Kapoor as its new brand ambassador. This exciting collaboration brings together Janhvi’s captivating charm and KAZO’s exuberant essence, creating a celebration of shared values and aesthetics that promises to set new trends in the world of fashion.
Kapoor’s vibrant persona and impactful presence in the fashion sphere align perfectly with KAZO’s belief that life is for living and fashion should be fun. This partnership draws inspiration from Kapoor’s versatile style, heralding an era of elegance and allure for modern women.
Talking about her association with KAZO, Kapoor said, “KAZO isn’t just a brand to me – it’s a celebration of womanhood through fashion. With a seamless blend of blingy extravagance and elegant subtlety, we’re empowering individuals to confidently express their unique style. My journey with KAZO feels like they’ve captured my essence in their designs, elevating my confidence, comfort, and style game. It’s not just clothing; it’s a reflection of who I am, synced perfectly with the brand’s spirit.”
Commenting on this brand ambassador announcement, KAZO creative director Divya Aggarwal said, “We are honored to partner with Janhvi Kapoor, an icon of grace and fashion-forwardness. Her dynamic personality and captivating presence in the world of fashion resonate perfectly with KAZO’s philosophy of celebrating life and embracing the joy of fashion.
As we unveil our AW’23 (Autumn-Winter) collection, a perennial favorite, we’re excited to see Janhvi’s charm amplify the sparkle and radiance of our party-perfect garments. Together, we’re embarking on a journey to redefine India’s fashion landscape, bringing forth new dimensions to KAZO’s vision over the next year.”
Adding to the excitement, KAZO director of operations Siddhant Aggarwal said, “As we proudly welcome Janhvi Kapoor as our Brand Ambassador, this association signifies not only a union of style and grace but also a catalyst for our operational growth. In both our online and offline endeavors, this partnership will be instrumental in enhancing our ability to reach and influence our diverse customer base. Together, we’re set to scale new heights, forging deeper connections and leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.”
As festivities approach, KAZO also announces the launch of its AW (Autumn-Winter) collection, a perennial favorite among patrons. This collection captures the magic and radiance of this special time of year, featuring an array of party dresses and garments that sparkle with sequins and the allure of bling. The brand’s love for bling and sparkle finds a kindred spirit in Kapoor’s ability to effortlessly carry off glamorous ensembles that exude confidence. Whether it’s a sequined dress that catches the light or an intricately embellished top that demands attention, Kapoor’s charm magnifies the essence of KAZO’s party-perfect aesthetic.
With Kapoor as the brand ambassador, KAZO’s vision gains new dimensions over the upcoming season. The brand aims to lead India’s fashion scene, securing a prominent market share in women’s apparel. In the coming years, KAZO plans substantial growth both online and offline, expanding across digital platforms and physical stores.
MAM
10 years of UPI: India’s payments system hits 21.7 billion transactions a month
From queues to QR codes, digital push drives inclusion and real-time ease
NEW DELHI: India’s digital payments story has come a long way from queues at bank counters to instant QR code scans, with the Unified Payments Interface now processing a staggering 21.7 billion transactions in a single month, underlining its position as the world’s leading real-time payments system.
Not too long ago, routine transactions meant paperwork, waiting periods and, for many, complete exclusion from the formal financial system. Today, that landscape has been fundamentally reshaped by a digital ecosystem built on scale, simplicity and accessibility.
The shift gained momentum in the early 2000s when the Reserve Bank of India introduced systems such as RTGS and IMPS. While these laid the groundwork for faster payments, their reach remained limited to those already within the banking fold.
A decisive breakthrough came with the JAM trinity, combining the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and widespread mobile connectivity. This framework expanded financial access, enabled direct benefit transfers and familiarised millions with digital transactions.
“The JAM Trinity catapulted our banking to a different level altogether,” said Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighting its transformative impact.
Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI simplified money transfers by removing the need for complex bank details. With just a mobile number or UPI ID, users can send and receive money instantly, round the clock.
Its scale has expanded rapidly, with participating banks growing from just over 200 in 2021 to nearly 700 by early 2026. Today, UPI accounts for 81 percent of India’s retail digital transactions and nearly half of global real-time payment volumes, according to global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Beyond convenience, the platform has driven deeper financial inclusion. From street vendors and autorickshaw drivers to rural traders and domestic workers, millions now participate in the formal economy through instant, low-cost transactions. The system has also opened doors to credit, insurance and savings products for previously underserved segments.
New features such as UPI Lite, AutoPay and credit integration are further expanding its scope, turning it into a broader financial platform rather than just a payments tool. At the same time, enhanced security measures like two-factor authentication have strengthened user trust and reduced fraud risks.
India’s payments innovation is also gaining global traction, with UPI-linked systems now operational in multiple countries, enabling seamless cross-border transactions and boosting remittances.
What began as a solution for financial inclusion has evolved into a global benchmark for digital payments. As India continues to move from queues to QR codes, UPI stands as a powerful example of how technology can simplify everyday life while driving economic participation at scale.
