UPI Payments will be chargeable from 1st April 2023 ?

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). UPI enables users to transfer money between bank accounts instantly using a mobile device, without the need for any additional information such as bank account numbers or IFSC codes.






UPI payments work through a mobile application that is linked to a user's bank account. The user can create a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) and link it to their bank account. The VPA acts as a unique identifier that can be used to receive payments from anyone who has a UPI-enabled mobile application

UPI transactions are typically free of charge for users. However, some banks or payment service providers may charge a nominal fee for certain types of transactions or for exceeding a certain limit on the number of transactions. For example, some banks may charge a fee for transferring money using UPI beyond a certain limit or for withdrawing money from an ATM using a UPI-enabled debit card.

https://www.ndtv.com/business/unified-payments-interface-national-payments-corporation-of-india-npci-upi-merchant-transactions-over-rs-2-000-to-carry-charge-of-1-1-from-april-1-3902246

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said that using Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) for transactions through UPI will attract an interchange fee. The charges will be levied if the transaction is more than Rs 2,000.


The interchange pricing will be introduced on April 1, 2023, and then again reviewed by September 30, 2023. Payments made via UPI, like Paytm, Phonepe, Google Pay, to friends, family or any other individual or a merchant’s bank account will not be affected by this interchange fee

It's best to check with your bank or payment service provider to understand their specific policies on UPI charges and fees.

Recent regulatory guidelines, the Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI Wallets) have been permitted to be part of interoperable UPI ecosystem. In view of this NPCI has now permitted the PPI wallets to be part of interoperable UPI ecosystem. 

The interchange charges introduced are only applicable for the PPI merchant transactions and there is no charge to customers, and it is further clarified that there are no charges for the bank account to bank account based UPI payments (i.e. normal UPI payments)," NPCI said on Wednesday

राम नवमी

 राम नवमी हा एक हिंदू सण आहे जो हिंदू धर्मातील सर्वात आदरणीय देवतांपैकी एक, भगवान रामाचा जन्म साजरा करतो. हा चैत्र महिन्याच्या नवव्या दिवशी येतो, जो सामान्यतः ग्रेगोरियन कॅलेंडरनुसार मार्च किंवा एप्रिलमध्ये येतो.

 भगवान राम हे भगवान विष्णूचे सातवे अवतार मानले जातात, ज्यांनी जगाला वाईटापासून मुक्त करण्यासाठी आणि धार्मिकतेचे समर्थन करण्यासाठी मानवी रूप धारण केले.

 हा सण संपूर्ण भारतात आणि हिंदू समुदाय राहत असलेल्या जगातील इतर भागांमध्ये मोठ्या भक्तिभावाने आणि उत्साहाने साजरा केला जातो. या दिवशी, भक्त भगवान रामाला विशेष प्रार्थना आणि भजन (भक्तीगीते) देतात आणि त्यांना समर्पित मंदिरांना भेट देतात. ते उपवास देखील पाळतात आणि मिरवणुकांमध्ये भाग घेतात, ज्यात अनेकदा मंत्रांचा उच्चार आणि रामायणाचे पठण केले जाते, भगवान रामाच्या जीवनाचे वर्णन करणारा पवित्र ग्रंथ. 

राम नवमी हा लोकांसाठी एकत्र येण्याचा आणि त्यांच्या कुटुंबियांसह आणि मित्रांसह साजरा करण्याचा एक प्रसंग आहे. भगवान रामाच्या शिकवणींवर चिंतन करण्याची आणि जीवनात शांती, समृद्धी आणि आनंदासाठी त्यांचे आशीर्वाद घेण्याची ही वेळ आहे.

श्री राम, ज्याला भगवान राम म्हणूनही ओळखले जाते, हे हिंदू धर्मातील सर्वात महत्वाचे आणि आदरणीय देवतांपैकी एक आहे. तो भगवान विष्णूचा सातवा अवतार मानला जातो, ज्याने दुष्टतेपासून मुक्त होण्यासाठी आणि धार्मिकतेचे समर्थन करण्यासाठी मानवी रूप धारण केले.

 श्री रामाचे महत्त्व त्यांच्या सद्गुण, धैर्य आणि धार्मिकतेच्या अवतारात आहे. त्यांचे जीवन आणि शिकवण लोकांना त्यांच्या स्वतःच्या जीवनात अनुसरण्यासाठी एक आदर्श उदाहरण म्हणून साजरे केले जाते. भगवान राम हे सत्य, नैतिकता आणि धर्म (धार्मिकतेचे) प्रतीक म्हणून पूज्य आहेत. प्राचीन भारतातील महान साहित्यकृतींपैकी एक मानल्या जाणार्‍या रामायण या महाकाव्य ग्रंथात भगवान रामाची कथा वर्णन केलेली आहे. मार्गात असंख्य आव्हाने आणि अडथळ्यांचा सामना करताना प्रभू रामाच्या एका राजकुमारापासून योद्धा आणि नंतर राजापर्यंतच्या प्रवासाची ही कथा आहे. ही कथा धार्मिकता, त्याग आणि भक्तीचे महत्त्व अधोरेखित करते आणि सद्गुणयुक्त जीवन जगण्यासाठी मार्गदर्शक मानली जाते.

 भगवान राम हे एकतेचे प्रतीक देखील आहेत, कारण त्यांची पूजा जात, पंथ आणि धर्माच्या सीमा ओलांडते. त्यांचा प्रेम, करुणा आणि सहिष्णुतेचा संदेश जगभरातील लाखो लोकांना प्रेरणा देत आहे.

श्री रामा कडून आशीर्वाद मिळविण्याचा सर्वात पारंपारिक मार्ग म्हणजे त्यांना समर्पित मंदिराला भेट देणे. प्रार्थना करा, त्याच्या नावाचा जप करा आणि भक्तीचे प्रतीक म्हणून फुले, फळे आणि मिठाई अर्पण करा.

रामायण वाचा आणि पाठ करा: रामायण हा एक पवित्र धर्मग्रंथ आहे जो भगवान रामाचे जीवन आणि शिकवण वर्णन करतो. रामायण वाचणे आणि पाठ करणे एखाद्याला परमात्म्याशी जोडण्यास आणि त्यांचे आशीर्वाद मिळविण्यास मदत करू शकते.

राम मंत्राचा जप करा: राम मंत्र, "ओम श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम," हा एक शक्तिशाली मंत्र आहे जो प्रभू रामाशी जोडण्यात आणि त्यांचे आशीर्वाद मिळविण्यास मदत करू शकतो. या मंत्राचा भक्तीभावाने आणि प्रामाणिकपणाने जप केल्याने व्यक्तीच्या जीवनात शांती आणि सकारात्मकता येऊ शकते.

 

नीतिमत्ता आणि सद्गुण आचरणात आणा: भगवान राम हे धार्मिकता आणि सद्गुणांचे मूर्त स्वरूप आहेत. या गुणांचा स्वतःच्या जीवनात आचरण केल्याने श्रीरामाचा आशीर्वाद मिळू शकतो.

निःस्वार्थ सेवा द्या: भगवान राम त्यांच्या प्रजेसाठी निःस्वार्थ सेवेसाठी आणि त्यांच्या कर्तव्याप्रती त्यांची निष्ठा यासाठी ओळखले जातात. प्रभू रामाच्या नावाने इतरांना निःस्वार्थ सेवा अर्पण केल्याने देखील त्याचा आशीर्वाद घेण्यास मदत होऊ शकते.

World Theatre Day celebration

World Theatre Day is an annual celebration that takes place on March 27th. It was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a non-governmental organization that promotes theatre and culture on a global level. The day is intended to raise awareness about the value of theatre and to promote international exchange and cooperation in the performing arts.




Each year, the ITI selects a prominent figure in the theatre community to write a message for World Theatre Day, which is translated into over 50 languages and shared with theatre practitioners and enthusiasts around the world. The message often reflects on the role of theatre in society and the challenges facing the industry.




World Theatre Day is celebrated in many different ways, from performances and workshops to panel discussions and social media campaigns. The goal is to highlight the importance of theatre as a means of cultural expression, social commentary, and human connection

In the past, some theatre groups in Pune have organized stage performances of classic and contemporary plays, held workshops and seminars on theatre and performance, and hosted discussions and debates on the current state of theatre in the city and around the world. Some groups also organize street plays and other outdoor performances to reach a wider audience.



In addition to these events, social media campaigns are also organized to spread awareness about World Theatre Day and its significance. Many theatre enthusiasts in Pune take to social media platforms to share their love for theatre and to promote the value of theatre as an art form.


Overall, World Theatre Day is an important occasion for the theatre community in Pune, and it provides an opportunity for artists, performers, and theatre enthusiasts to come together, celebrate their love for the art form, and promote its significance in society.

It’s Microsoft vs. Google - AI Race

Google Brings Generative AI Capabilities To Workspaces App To Take On Microsoft

Generative AI is the latest craze, and big tech companies are rushing to incorporate this technology into their products. Following rumors of Microsoft's plans to bring ChatGPT-like AI to his Office productivity apps, Google has announced that the Workspace app will get the same treatment. According to the company, Workspace users will be able to harness the power of generative AI to "create, connect and collaborate like never before."

Developers who want to build and customize their own models and apps using generative AI, they can access Google’s AI models, including PaLM, on Google Cloud Google is integrating AI features in its products like Gmail, Docs, and more. Google has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning technology over the years, and it has become an integral part of its product offerings.






With these features, we will be able to:

draft, reply, summarize, and prioritize your Gmail
brainstorm, proofread, write, and rewrite in Docs
bring your creative vision to life with auto-generated images, audio, and video in Slides
go from raw data to insights and analysis via auto-completion, formula generation, and contextual categorization in Sheets
generate new backgrounds and capture notes in Meet
enable workflows for getting things done in Chat

With AI technology, Google can improve the user experience by providing more relevant suggestions and personalized recommendations based on user's preferences and past behavior. For instance, in Gmail, Google can use AI to automatically categorize emails, detect spam messages, and provide suggested responses to emails. Similarly, in Google Docs, AI can help users with grammar and spelling corrections, suggest alternative words and phrases, and even provide feedback on the tone and style of their writing.

 In addition, Google is also working on integrating AI into other products such as Google Calendar and Google Assistant, which will allow users to schedule meetings, set reminders, and perform other tasks more efficiently. Overall, the integration of AI technology into Google's products is likely to improve productivity and enhance the user experience. However, it is important to note that there are also concerns about the potential negative impact of AI, such as privacy concerns and the risk of job displacement. 

As such, it is crucial for companies like Google to take a responsible and ethical approach to AI development and deployment. When will Google launch the features? Google said it's rolling out the features to "trusted testers" before making the tools broadly available. (The Bard chatbot was also initially available to a group of "trusted testers.") 

Here is the official link for Google Announcement: https://workspace.google.com/blog/product-announcements/generative-ai

Linking Aadhaar with PAN before 31st March 2023

 It can be done in a few simple steps. Here is how you can do it:

1. Visit the income tax e-filing website: Go to https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home and click on the "Link Aadhaar" option on the left-hand side of the page.
2. Fill in your details: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, and your name as mentioned in the Aadhaar card. Cross-check the details entered before submitting the form.
3. Click on "Link Aadhaar": After verifying the details entered, click on the "Link Aadhaar" button to initiate the linking process.
4. Verification process: Once you submit the form, the website will verify your details with the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) database. If the details match, your PAN card will be linked with your Aadhaar card.

Alternatively, you can also link your Aadhaar with PAN by sending an SMS to 567678 or 56161. The format of the SMS is: UIDPAN<SPACE><12 digit Aadhaar><Space><10 digit PAN>.

World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day is an annual event observed on March 24th to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and the efforts made to prevent and treat this disease. It is an opportunity to educate people about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of TB, and to promote public health measures to prevent its spread.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and bones. It is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and in 2020, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB and 1.4 million people died from the disease.

World Tuberculosis Day was established by the WHO in 1982 to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacteria that causes TB. The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2023 is "The Clock is Ticking," which highlights the urgency of accelerating efforts to end TB.

There are several ways to prevent tuberculosis (TB), which include:

• Vaccination: The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can help prevent severe forms of TB in children, such as meningitis or disseminated TB.
• Avoid exposure to TB: TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can reduce your risk of TB by avoiding close contact with people who have the disease.
• Good ventilation: Good ventilation can help reduce the risk of TB transmission in indoor settings. Make sure that the rooms you spend time in have adequate ventilation.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues properly.
• Treatment of latent TB infection: If you have been in close contact with someone with active TB, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment to prevent the development of active TB disease.
• Early diagnosis and treatment: If you develop symptoms of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, seek medical attention promptly. TB is treatable with a combination of antibiotics, and early treatment can help prevent complications and the spread of the disease to others.

Google Doodle Celebrates Kitty O'Neil

Kitty O'Neil was a stuntwoman and race car driver who was born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. She began her career as a stuntwoman in the late 1960s and quickly gained a reputation for performing dangerous stunts that few others were willing to attempt.

O'Neil's most famous stunt was a 127-foot fall from a hotel in the TV series "The Bionic Woman" in 1976. She also performed stunts in other popular TV shows and movies, such as "Wonder Woman," "The Blues Brothers," and "Airport '77." In addition to her work in the film industry, O'Neil was also a successful race car driver, setting a land speed record for women in 1976 by driving a rocket-powered car at a speed of 512 mph.

O'Neil was deaf since the age of five due to contracting measles, but she never let that stop her from pursuing her dreams. She passed away on November 2, 2018, at the age of 72 due to pneumonia.

Kitty O'Neil was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1946. When she was just five years old, she contracted measles, which caused her to lose her hearing. Despite this setback, O'Neil was determined to pursue her dreams.

In the late 1960s, O'Neil began her career as a stuntwoman. She quickly gained a reputation for being fearless and skilled at performing dangerous stunts that few others were willing to attempt. She worked on a variety of TV shows and movies, including "Wonder Woman," "The Blues Brothers," and "Airport '77." But it was her role as the stunt double for Lindsay Wagner in the TV series "The Bionic Woman" that made her famous.

In one particularly daring stunt, O'Neil was asked to jump from the top of a 12-story hotel and land in an airbag below. The jump was estimated to be 127 feet, and it was one of the highest freefalls ever attempted by a stunt performer. O'Neil was initially hesitant about taking on the challenge, but she eventually agreed to do it. The stunt was a success, and O'Neil became known as one of the most talented and daring stunt performers in the industry.

In addition to her work as a stuntwoman, O'Neil was also a successful race car driver. In 1976, she set a land speed record for women by driving a rocket-powered car at a speed of 512 mph. The record still stands today, and O'Neil's accomplishment was even more remarkable given that she was deaf.

Throughout her career, O'Neil faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but she never let anything stand in the way of her dreams. She was a trailblazer in the stunt industry, and she inspired many women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields. O'Neil passed away in 2018, but her legacy as a pioneer in both the stunt and racing worlds lives on.

There are several lessons we can learn from Kitty O'Neil's life and career:

• Determination: Despite being deaf since the age of five, O'Neil was determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a stuntwoman and race car driver. She did not let her disability hold her back and instead used it as a source of motivation to achieve her goals.
• Fearlessness: O'Neil was known for performing dangerous stunts that few others were willing to attempt. She had the courage to take on challenging and risky tasks, even if they seemed impossible at first.
• Resilience: O'Neil faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout her career, but she never gave up. She continued to push herself and pursue her dreams, even in the face of adversity.
• Breaking barriers: O'Neil was a trailblazer in the stunt industry and paved the way for other women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields. She was a role model and an inspiration to many.
• Pursuing passions: O'Neil's passion for stunts and racing was evident throughout her career. She pursued what she loved and did not let anything stand in the way of her dreams.

Early preview of the new Bing – AI-powered copilot for the web

 The moment Microsoft announced AI Powered Bing I applied to it & was on the waitlist. Yesterday I got an email that I am in!

Microsoft Bing <notifications@email3.bing.com> Unsubscribe

to me

You're in! Welcome to the new Bing! We are excited to give you access to an early preview of the new Bing – Your AI-powered copilot for the web. We would love your feedback to make the new Bing even better. Thanks – we appreciate you, The Bing team Chat now

When I clicked on Chat now it took me to the below interface

I am really interested in how AI creates images (especially after seeking news of fake photos of Trump being arrested) 

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/donald-trump-arrest-photos-fake-generated-ai/article66648580.ece

For now, it can not create images

When I observed it showed 3 of 15 and later AI itself told me the chatbot allows 15 chats per session & total of 150 chats per day. 

Some of the features of Bing Chat include:

• It can search the web for recent information and provide detailed, human-like responses with footnotes linking to the original sources1.
• It can perform multiple searches in a single query.
• It can draw text art.
• It can convert date and time.
• It can turn web pages into quizzes.
• It can help you get up to speed on current events.
• It can play an adventure game

Bing AI and ChatGPT AI are both language models that can understand when you ask them questions or make statements in natural, human language. Both services support a range of languages, though ChatGPT is more focused on English, whereas Bing Chat offers a wider array of non-English languages.
In a nutshell, the new Bing AI uses the same ChatGPT technology, but this is a more advanced version with various modifications to make it suitable for search and the general public. Bing uses ChatGPT version 3.5, but this variant is more capable, accurate, and capable than the version of ChatGPT that you can use in OpenAI

Here are some ways to make the most of Bing AI search:

• Choose the Conversation Style: Bing AI comes in three flavors: Creative, Balanced, and Precise. Balanced is the default conversation style, and it works well for all kinds of search queries. However, if you want Bing AI to write a story or poem or do anything imaginative, make sure to select the “Creative” mode.
• Use Writing Tools: Bing features a button in the upper-right corner that lists a selection of writing tools. Those allow users to generate text based on tone. There are five options, including professional, casual, and enthusiastic.
• Use the Latest Bing: Microsoft announced an enhanced Bing on Tuesday, saying the company’s longtime second-place search engine now has the AI tech behind ChatGPT inside. The service will be faster, more accurate, and more capable.

World water day

World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on March 22nd, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of water resources. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day in 1993, and it has been observed every year since then. 

 The theme for World Water Day changes each year, and it usually focuses on a specific aspect of water management. For example, in 2021, the theme was "Valuing Water," which aimed to highlight the essential role that water plays in people's lives and the need to protect and manage this vital resource more sustainably. 

 World Water Day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to focus attention on the importance of water and to take action to ensure its sustainable use. This day is also a reminder that access to clean and safe water is a basic human right and an essential element for the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Here are some tips to save water:

• Fix leaks: Check for leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes regularly, and repair them as soon as possible. Even a small drip can waste a lot of water over time.
• Turn off taps: Turn off the tap while you're brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. This can save up to 6 liters of water per minute.
• Use a low-flow showerhead: Install a low-flow showerhead to save water while taking a shower. You can also take shorter showers to reduce water consumption.
• Use a bucket: Use a bucket to collect water while waiting for the shower or sink to warm up. You can use this water for other purposes like watering plants or cleaning.
• Use a dishwasher: Use a dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes. Dishwashers use less water and energy, and they can also clean more efficiently.
• Water plants efficiently: Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a watering can or a hose with a spray nozzle to avoid over-watering.
• Use a pool cover: Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and keep your pool clean. This can save thousands of liters of water each year.
• Choose water-efficient appliances: When purchasing appliances, choose ones that are water-efficient. Look for appliances with the WaterSense label, which indicates that they meet water efficiency standards.

These are just a few tips to save water. Conserving water is an essential part of sustainable living, and every little effort counts towards the goal of conserving this vital resource.