A step-by-step guide on how to use BHIM app

 At a programme in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mobile payment app BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money). Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), BHIM is an aggregator for all UPI-based services offered by banks.

UPI, or Unified Payment Interface, is a payment system that allows money transfer between any two bank accounts by using a smartphone. UPI allows a customer to pay directly from a bank account to different merchants, both online and offline, without the hassle of typing credit card details, IFSC code, or net banking/wallet passwords.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the app:

1. Android users can download the application from Play Store by searching for ‘BHIM’. The app is not available for iOS users yet.

2. Install the application and choose your language. The app will prompt you to verify your phone number using an SMS. Click on Next and wait for the verification process to be completed.

3. Once the verification is complete, input a four digit passcode.

4. After a passocode is set, the app will ask you to select your bank. Once the bank is selected, the app automatically picks up your details using your phone number. Select the primary bank account that will be used for all your transactions.

5. The app displays three options — send, request and scan/pay. Transactions are possible only between verified phone numbers.

6. To send money to someone, type in their phone number and the amount to be transferred. The app will prompt you to input your MPIN, usually a four or a six digit code that authenticates a mobile transaction.

7. Likewise, you can request money from someone, using their phone number.

8. The third option, scan & pay, allows users to transfer money using a QR code, a two dimensional black and white barcode which can be decoded by a smartphone or a tablet. Each phone number is assigned a QR code which can be accessed under profile on the home screen.

Google introduces tools for small businesses in India

Google India on Wednesday announced key initiatives for the small and medium businesses in India, including a new tool that would help them create an online presence, besides a digital training programme.

The announcement was made by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who is in the national capital for a day. Mr. Pichai said the brand new tool — My Business, has been introduced in India first and would be taken to other countries gradually.

Google My Business would help small businesses set up website from their mobile devices. All they need is a smartphone and a few minutes, he said.

“We’ve learnt that when we solve for a place like India, we solve for everyone around the world,” Mr. Pichai said.

The tech giant also launched Digital Unlocked, an education programme in association with industry body FICCI and Indian School of Business. The programme will impart mobile and online courses to help small businesses.

Dhoni steps down as ODI, T20 captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday stepped down as captain 

A BCCI press-release stated: “Mahendra Singh Dhoni has informed the BCCI, that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the One Day Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game. He will be available for the selection for the Paytm One Day Trophy and Paytm T20I Trophy against England and the same has been conveyed to the Senior Selection Committee."

Through the press-release, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri declared: “On behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank M.S. Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.”