National News
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Awarded Scholarships to 350+ Girl Students in Ghatkopar Reinforcing its vision of Women Empowerment
Malabar Group, India’s leading business conglomerate and the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young women through education by awarding scholarships worth ₹29,00,000 to over 350 deserving girl students across 30+ schools.
The scholarship distribution ceremony was held at Zaverben Popatlal Sabhagruha Auditorium, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where financial aid was provided to ensure these students can pursue their academic aspirations without constraints. This initiative reflects Malabar Group’s dedication to fostering education and enabling young women to build a brighter future.
The event was graced by the presence of Shri Sanjay Mukund Kelkar, Member of the Maharashtra Assembly, as the chief guest. His participation underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting women’s education, further strengthening their role in society and helping them achieve a position of dignity and respect.
Speaking in regards to the initiative, MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “Providing Education to young girls is the most effective ways of ensuring positive change as education lays the foundation of a progressive nation, and equipping young women with the means and knowledge for betterment is one of the most impactful ways of ensuring a brighter future. These scholarships are not just supposed to be an economic aid to the students; but they are also investments in the future of our society, ensuring that no young girl has to compromise on reaching the pinnacle of her potential, due to financial misfortune”
Since its establishment in 1999, the Malabar Charitable Trust has been at the forefront of numerous social welfare initiatives. Malabar Group dedicates 5% of its annual profits to CSR activities, focusing on education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation.
The Malabar Scholarship program, a flagship initiative under the Group’s CSR framework, continues to bridge educational gaps for marginalized communities. By fostering academic opportunities for young girls, Malabar Group aims to create a ripple effect of progress that extends beyond individuals to families and entire communities.
The group’s overarching narrative to support education and skill development across India is further highlighted by this Scholarship distribution event in Mumbai. Malabar Group’s broader mission to support sustained initiatives has seen the Group remain committed to empowering future generations and fostering an inclusive, educated society for all.
National News
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
Given Typical Retail Margins Of 2%–6% On Bullion and Plain Gold Jewellery, Absorbing A 0.4% Fee—Or Up To ₹300 Per Large Transaction—Would Have Directly Eaten Into Festive Profitability. The Deferral Keeps Bottom Lines Protected Through Dhanteras and Diwali.
The National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI and Services Steering Committee has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until immediately after Diwali.
The move aims to protect consumer sentiment and keep operational costs steady for businesses during the peak festive shopping season. A specific implementation date will be announced separately.
Key Highlights
- Festive Relief for Retail: The deferment ensures merchants face no additional payment processing costs during peak festive demand, helping avoid disruptions to consumer spending.
- The Approved MDR Structure:
- Applies only to eligible P2M transactions above Rs 2,000 at a rate of 0.4%.
- Capped at Rs 300 for high-value transactions of Rs 75,000 and above.
- Everyday low-value payments and small merchants remain fully exempt, preserving zero-cost digital transactions for general consumers.
- Timeline Adjustment: Originally notified on September 15 for an October 15 rollout, the framework will now take effect post-Diwali, giving banks, payment aggregators, and merchants additional runway to align their systems and communicate terms clearly.
Jewellery purchase values routinely exceed the Rs 2,000 threshold and frequently touch or surpass the Rs 75,000 cap. Given typical retail margins of 2%–6% on bullion and plain gold jewellery, absorbing a 0.4% fee—or up to Rs 300 per large transaction—would have directly eaten into festive profitability. The deferral keeps bottom lines protected through Dhanteras and Diwali.
Introducing transaction fees just as footfall surges would have forced retailers to decide whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to buyers (via checkout surcharges or selective discounts). Avoiding this choice prevents awkward billing counter negotiations and cart abandonment during rush hours.
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
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