The passing of Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, marks the loss of a remarkable visionary whose leadership transcended borders and industries.  The chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen died in London on Tuesday, November 4, at the age of 85, according to PTI. Fondly known as ‘GP’ in global business circles, Hinduja had been unwell for several weeks and passed away in a London hospital, said sources.

Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, energy, banking, infrastructure, and technology, with a growing footprint in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE.

He recognised the UAE not just as a commercial hub, but as a key growth market and a platform for innovation and sustainability. His belief in the nation’s vision of economic diversification inspired strategic collaborations that strengthened local industries while deepening India’s enduring partnership with the Emirates.

Hinduja also acknowledged the region’s dynamic reforms and its emergence as the ‘Capital of Global Wealth,’ aligning perfectly with the Group’s guiding philosophy of ‘think local, act global.’ Under his direction, the UAE became an essential regional hub for the Hinduja Group’s business expansions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

One of the Group’s most promising ventures in the region is Switch Mobility, formed through the merger of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division and the UK-based Optare. The company exemplifies Hinduja’s long-term vision for a greener, smarter future. In line with the UAE’s sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Switch Mobility had planned trial runs of its electric buses and light trucks in both countries this year, signalling a new era of sustainable mobility in the Middle East.

Hinduja’s influence was never confined to business. He believed deeply in “business with a purpose”, emphasising philanthropy, education, and community empowerment as integral parts of success. His humility, spirituality, and people-first leadership style earned him respect across continents.

As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy endures in every partnership, investment, and idea that bridges nations for a better tomorrow. 

Gopichand Hinduja leaves behind his spouse Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.

Sources: India Today, Gulf News, PTI

The Consulate General of India in Dubai has officially launched the Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (PSP 2.0) on October 28, introducing a smoother, faster, and more digital experience for passport-related services.

The upgraded system includes e-passports, embedded with an electronic chip that stores digitised data, allowing for quicker and more secure immigration checks at airports.

From now on, Indian expats must apply or renew their passports exclusively through the new online portal at https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login. The revamped website enables users to upload ICAO-compliant photos, signatures, and documents directly, thereby reducing waiting times at BLS centres across the UAE.

Applicants are reminded to follow ICAO photo guidelines before uploading their images to avoid delays.

In a welcome change, minor corrections to applications can now be made at BLS centres, with no extra fees and no need to start over. Once the form is submitted online, applicants simply print it out, book an appointment via BLS International, and bring the form and documents to their scheduled visit.

According to the Consulate, this move marks a major step toward modernising consular services, making passport issuance faster, more transparent, and user-friendly for the Indian community in the UAE.

The PSP 2.0 rollout reflects India’s ongoing digital transformation, aiming to bring advanced biometric passports and smoother processing to millions of citizens abroad.

Big news for the millions of Indians in the UAE: Your UPI app just became a financial powerhouse. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) supercharged daily transaction limits for high-value payments, effective September 15. This is a game-changer for managing your money, from investments to big purchases.

What’s New? The Limits Have Been Boosted

• Capital Markets & Insurance: You can now make single payments up to Rs5 lakh, with a new daily limit of Rs10 lakh (Rs1 lakh=Dh 4,170).
• Credit Card Bills: Pay off a single bill up to Rs500,000, with a daily cap of Rs6 lakh.
• Travel & Loan Repayments: A new daily ceiling of Rs10 lakh makes paying for flights, holidays, and EMIs faster than ever.
  
• Jewellery Purchases: A single transaction can now be up to Rs2 lakh, with a Rs6 lakh daily limit.
  
• Hospital & Education Fees: The daily cap remains a high Rs1 million, with a per-transaction limit of Rs5 lakh.
  

Why This Matters for You in the UAE

This update means you can now handle serious financial transactions with the speed and convenience of UPI, without the hassle of cheques or slower bank transfers. Sending money home for investments, paying large insurance premiums, or settling EMIs has never been easier.

A Record-Breaking Era for UPI

These changes come as UPI continues to break records. In August 2025 alone, it processed a staggering 20 billion transactions, a 34% increase year-on-year, with a total value of Rs24.85 trillion. It’s the go-to payment method for millions, and now it’s even more powerful.

Important Security Update

To combat fraud, NPCI is discontinuing the “P2P collect request” feature from October 1. This is a proactive step to protect users from scams, ensuring that only verified merchants can request payments. Your personal transfers (P2P) will remain secure with the existing daily cap of Rs100,000.

The Bottom Line: UPI is no longer just for small, day-to-day payments. It’s a must-have tool for serious financial management, giving you more control and security over your money from the UAE.

No Indian mobile number required 

NRIs in the UAE can now access UPI using their UAE mobile numbers.

Instant, hassle-free payments 

Transfers can be made 24/7 by scanning a QR code or entering a UPI ID/phone number, without needing bank details.

Eligibility

 Users must hold an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account with a participating bank in India.

Registration requirement 

The international number must be linked to the account, with KYC completed.