Dear Readers, JK Monitor has always been committed to keeping you informed with news and updates that matter. Today, we invite you to become a part of our journey and help us continue serving you. We appeal to our readers, well-wishers, and supporters of independent journalism to come forward and contribute towards the continued growth and sustainability of JK Monitor. Every contribution, big or small, is a valuable gesture of support. JK Monitor is more than a news platform; it is a voice we build together. Your support can help keep that voice strong. To contribute or know more, please contact us at 9906103001. Stand with JK Monitor. Support independent journalism.

Key Highlights:

  1. UPI’s Groundbreaking Role in Financial Inclusion:
    • Since its launch in 2016, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed financial access in India, enabling 300 million individuals and 50 million merchants to perform seamless digital transactions. By October 2023, 75% of all retail digital payments in India were through UPI.
  1. Empowering Marginal Borrowers:
    • UPI has enabled underserved groups, including subprime and new-to-credit borrowers, to access formal credit for the first time. In regions with high UPI adoption:
      • Loans to new-to-credit borrowers grew by 4%, and to subprime borrowers by 8%.
      • The average size of a fintech loan was ₹27,778—about 7 times the rural monthly expenditure.
    • Fintech lenders scaled rapidly, increasing their loan volumes by 77 times, far outpacing traditional banks in catering to smaller, underserved borrowers.
  1. Affordable Internet as a Catalyst:
    • The affordability of digital technology played a critical role, enabling widespread UPI adoption in rural and urban areas alike.
  1. Credit Growth Through UPI:
    • A 10% increase in UPI transactions led to a 7% rise in credit availability, reflecting how digital financial histories enabled lenders to assess borrowers better.
    • Between 2015 and 2019, fintech loans to subprime borrowers grew to match those of banks, with fintechs thriving in high UPI-usage areas.
  1. Safe Expansion of Credit:
    • Despite the credit surge, default rates did not rise, showing that UPI-enabled digital transaction data helped lenders expand responsibly.
  1. Global Implications:
    • India’s success with UPI offers a replicable model for other nations, showcasing how combining public digital infrastructure with Open Banking policies can reduce financial exclusion, foster innovation, and promote equitable economic growth.
Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡