MAM
Popeyes India’s mega chance to score ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final tickets!
Mumbai: Popeyes, the iconic US fried chicken brand, is thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity for all Indian cricket enthusiasts. Get ready to win coveted match tickets for the ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup Final Live in Ahmedabad on 19 Nov 23.
To kick off the cricket season with unmatched enthusiasm, Popeyes India has unveiled an array of World Cup Special Combos. When you purchase any of these special Combos, not only do you receive a complimentary branded sipper, but you also earn 1 run for every Re. spent. The top 4 scorers between 15th September and 31st October will be the lucky winners of these exclusive match tickets to witness the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final.
Popeyes made its grand debut in India with the launch of its flagship restaurant in Bengaluru, followed by a rapid and successful expansion into multiple cities, including Chennai, Manipal, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Madurai. Chicken aficionados across these cities have warmly embraced Popeyes in India. The meteoric success of Popeyes can be attributed to its meticulous hand-breading, battering, and marinating of locally sourced fresh chicken for a full 12 hours in distinctive Cajun seasonings – a classic fusion of cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, black and white pepper, and celery, guaranteeing a truly memorable gastronomic experience with every bite.
Popeyes India executive vice president and head of business Gaurav Pande shared his thoughts on this unique campaign, saying, “Cricket in India is more than just a game; it has the power to unite people from all walks of life. Similarly, Popeyes India aims to unite friends and family through their iconic Louisiana-style fried chicken and signature Cajun flavours. During the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, we at Popeyes India have a special treat for our die-hard cricket fans. Order any World Cup Special combo at our participating Popeyes stores and stand a chance to win two tickets to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup final. Popeyes, renowned for its world-famous Chicken Sandwich and a range of freshly sourced, antibiotic-free chicken special combos, offers not only flavour in every bite but also this unique opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to witness the ICC Men’s World Cup final live.”
With India hosting the ICC ODI World Cup, emotions are set to reach a fever pitch as millions of fans come together to support their favourite teams and players. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tickets are scarcely available as most of them have been sold out. Fans of Popeyes across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Manipal have this golden opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. Simply visit any of our restaurants, purchase any of our World Cup Special combos, and stand a chance to enjoy the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final Live from the stadium!
To further enhance the flavour, excitement, and passion for the sport, Popeyes has partnered with Coca-Cola. This innovative and seamless collaboration between two beloved global F&B giants, each deeply embedded in the hearts of millions, promises an experience filled with joy and delight.
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.
