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Paytm To Support and Scan Third Party QR Codes
The Quick Response code payment method has led the revolution in the online payment systems by connecting the offline and online ecosystems. Paytm, which pioneered the QP based mobile payments system, is now set to open up its code scanning service for third party companies as well.
Paytm users will be able to scan generic QR codes developed on an open source platform. This is a strategic move by the company to expand into new business avenues and build a discovery business, especially in the offline space and therefore, generate revenue by charging the third party brands and by plugging advertisements.
Speaking about this move Senior Vice President of Paytm, Deepak Abbot said the scan and pay feature has been a good success for Paytm and they are, hence, aiming to offer the same experience for the third party users. “This is being built as the go to engine of sorts for discovery for web links, download apps, discover products, store information as well as continue to make payments,” he added.
Since the beginning of the year, both Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Government of India have launched their own QR codes to promote digital payments across channels. At present, close to 65% of the transactions are being conducted on Paytm’s QR based platform. Abbot also said, by adding the Rupay and UPI networks, Paytm will eventually increase the number of QR code based payments in the industry. QR code based payment services include zero transaction charges, apart from a minimal transfer fee and do not include any cost of installation.
The QR code based transaction option was first introduced by Paytm in October 2015, allowing customers to simply scan a code and instantly transfer money to the merchants Paytm account. They plan to add 100 million merchants across 650 districts, enabled with these codes, by December. Over the last couple of years, Paytm has also been diversifying into multiple businesses beyond payments and are also expected to launch a chat messenger app by the end of this month.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
