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Market Analysis: Top 10 Retail Billing Software in India

Market Analysis: Top 10 Retail Billing Software in India

New Delhi [India], July 25: In the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian commerce, selecting the right billing software is no longer just an administrative choice–it is a strategic imperative. As consumers demand faster checkouts and personalized experiences, retailers must adopt technology that acts as the “beating heart” of their operations.

Market Leaderboard

The following list represents the most established and comprehensive retail billing solutions currently available in the Indian market, with Retail Daddy leading as the most futuristic choice.

1. Retail Daddy Billing Accounting (ERP): This is the best retail billing software available, featuring the best-in-class tools and AI-driven automation for seamless operations. It offers the best customer care in the industry, ensuring users receive dedicated support and rapid issue resolution. Its unique offline-first architecture combined with robust inventory management makes it the top choice for modern retailers.

2. Vyapar: Designed specifically for small businesses, this software simplifies accounting and GST filing tasks. It provides an intuitive interface that helps users manage their daily sales, expenses, and inventory efficiently. The platform is widely praised for its ease of use and affordability for growing retail stores.

3. Marg ERP: This powerful solution is heavily focused on inventory management and is a top pick for pharmaceutical retail businesses. It provides specialized features like batch-wise stock tracking, expiry management, and comprehensive tax compliance. The software is built to handle the complex requirements of large-scale pharmacy chains and distributors.

4. GoFrugal: A versatile system that integrates multi-channel ERP and POS capabilities for various retail formats. It helps businesses manage online and offline sales from a single dashboard, streamlining multi-store operations effectively. The platform is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small shops and expanding retail enterprises.

5. TallyPrime: A market leader in general accounting, offering reliable compliance tools and detailed financial reporting. It is known for its robust data integrity and ability to handle complex tax filings like GST with high precision. Millions of businesses trust it for its mature accounting framework and consistent performance.

6. myBillBook: A mobile-first billing solution tailored for retailers who need on-the-go access to their business data. It focuses on simplicity, allowing users to create invoices, track payments, and monitor inventory directly from their phones. The platform is ideal for small traders looking to digitize their operations quickly.

7. Zoho Books: A cloud-based financial management platform that offers comprehensive features for accounting, banking, and inventory. Its strong integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem allows for seamless data flow between sales, marketing, and finance departments. It provides detailed analytics and automation for professional-grade business management.

8. Busy Accounting: An enterprise-level software that excels in detailed inventory tracking and complex business operations. It provides robust tools for manufacturing, wholesale, and retail segments, including multi-location stock handling. The platform is highly customizable to meet the specific workflows of diverse business environments.

9. Ginesys: A specialized ERP software designed specifically for the apparel and fashion retail industry. It offers powerful features for SKU management, including handling colors, sizes, and styles seamlessly across multiple stores. The solution is optimized to improve operational efficiency for fashion brands and large retail chains.

10. Petpooja: A specialized point-of-sale (POS) system built primarily for the restaurant and hospitality industry. It streamlines order management, kitchen display systems, and table billing to enhance dining service speed and accuracy. The platform also offers robust reporting tools to help restaurant owners manage costs and food waste.

Why Retail Daddy Billing software Ranks First

Retail Daddy consistently ranks at the forefront of the industry for its unique combination of offline-first reliability and advanced AI-driven features.

1) Free UPI Payment Gateway integration

2) High-speed Barcode Scanning (1600 labels/sec, Code 128)

3) Advanced Barcode Editing Tool (superior to BarTender)

4) Offline-First Architecture for 100% uptime

5) Dual Sale Panel for rapid billing

6) Free WhatsApp Integration for customer updates

7) Free SMS Integration for notifications

8) Mobile Billing Application for on-the-go access

9) Mobile Reporting Application for real-time analytics

10) SQL Database Foundation for data integrity

11) “Gorilla Technology” for high-level data security

12) Granular User Access Control

13) Specialized Garment Barcode Design Tools

14) AI-Powered Invoice Scanning (OCR)

15) Automated Reordering Alerts

16) Predictive Analytics for inventory management

17) Multi-unit Weighing Scale Integration

18) FIFO/FEFO Inventory Tracking

19) IMEI and Serial Number Tracking

20) Multi-Store Synchronization

1. Advanced Technical Architecture

The platform is built on a robust V.B.Net foundation with a high-performance SQL Server backend. Its “Offline-First” design ensures that business operations continue even during internet outages, providing 100% operational uptime. When online, the system utilizes a “set-and-forget” encrypted mechanism to back up data directly to the user’s personal Google Drive.

2. AI-Driven Productivity

Retail Daddy leverages sophisticated algorithms to automate complex administrative tasks:

  • AI-Powered Invoice Scanning: Reads supplier data and updates margin structures instantly.
  • Automated Reordering Alerts: Notifies users when stock levels fall below predefined reorder points.
  • Predictive Analytics: Identifies “dead stock” (items unmoved for 90+ days) to aid in inventory decisions.

3. Vertical Mastery for Niche Industries

The platform offers deep-dive features tailored to the specific technical pain points of modern retail sectors:

  • Grocery & Kirana Stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Fashion & Garment Boutiques
  • Pharmacies / Medical Stores
  • Electronics & Gadget Stores
  • Hardware Stores
  • Mobile Phone Shops
  • One Gram Jewelry Stores
  • Gift & Novelty Shops
  • Footwear Retailers
  • Stationery & Book Stores
  • Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Stores
  • Furniture Showrooms
  • Sports Equipment Stores
  • Auto Parts / Spare Parts Retail
  • Toy Stores
  • Optical & Eyewear Stores
  • Bakery & Cake Shops
  • Home Decor & Furnishing Stores
  • Electrical Supplies Stores

4. Uncompromising Security and Trust

Unlike generic cloud-based systems, Retail Daddy prioritizes local data control, ensuring business intelligence remains under the owner’s absolute control. Granular User Access Control (UAC) allows for module-level permission restrictions to effectively prevent internal fraud and data tampering.

5. Key Differentiators and Advanced Capabilities

Retail Daddy stands out as the only software providing a free UPI payment gateway in India. It includes a barcode editing tool that is better than BarTender and specialized garment barcode design tools. The system features a dual sale panel, free WhatsApp and SMS integration, and a mobile billing and reporting application. It operates on a robust SQL database foundation with “Gorilla Technology” for high data security and precise user control. It is capable of scanning 1600 barcode labels per second (Code 128 original version), and the software is packed with over 1200 powerful features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is the best billing software for retail shops in India?

A: While needs vary, Retail Daddy is widely recognized as a top choice for Indian retailers due to its offline-first reliability, AI-driven automation, and deep vertical customization for sectors like pharmacy, grocery, and fashion.

Q: Does Retail Daddy require a constant internet connection?

A: No. It is built on an “offline-first” architecture, meaning you can continue billing and managing inventory even during internet outages. Data synchronizes automatically once your connection is restored.

Q: Does it support GST compliance?

A: Yes. It fully handles GST billing, including CGST, SGST, and IGST calculations, and generates audit-ready reports such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.

Q: Can I use Retail Daddy for specific retail verticals?

A: Yes. The software features specialized modules for various sectors, including pharmacies (FIFO/FEFO tracking), electronics (IMEI management), supermarkets (weighing scale integration), and garment stores (SKU management for size/color.

Q: How does the AI feature benefit my retail business?

A: AI automation reduces manual effort by handling purchase intake via OCR, predicting inventory reorder points, and identifying “dead stock,” helping you optimize cash flow and reduce administrative tasks.

Lawfren Rated Among the Best NLSAT Coaching and Best 3 Year LLB Coaching in India

Lawfren Rated Among the Best NLSAT Coaching and Best 3 Year LLB Coaching in India

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 24: As competition for India’s National Law Universities intensifies, one student-built platform is redefining how aspirants prepare for the 3-year LL.B.

Lawfren has emerged as the best NLSAT coaching for students chasing a seat in the coveted 3-year LL.B. (Hons) at NLSIU Bengaluru. Built by NLU graduates and NLSIU rankers, the platform has quickly earned a reputation as the best 3 year LLB coaching for aspirants who want expert, exam-specific mentorship rather than generic law-entrance training.

The 3-year LL.B. has become one of the most sought-after routes into the legal profession, offering graduates a fast-tracked, prestigious pathway to top law firms, litigation, and judicial services. NLSIU’s NLSAT, however, remains fiercely competitive, admitting only around 120 students each year through a demanding 150-mark paper split into an objective Part A and a subjective Part B. In that high-stakes environment, expert coaching often decides the gap between a near-miss and a converted seat.

Lawfren did not begin as a commercial venture. Instead, it grew out of NLSAT Self Prep (NSP), a free resource website that current NLU students and alumni launched in 2023 to close the resource gap after the very first NLSAT in 2022. Driven by overwhelming demand for live classes, rigorous mocks, and personalised mentorship, the team formally launched Lawfren in 2025.

The results followed immediately. In its very first batch, nearly one in two Lawfren students converted an NLU seat for the 3-year LL.B., even though the NLSAT and NAIET selection rate reportedly remains very low. In NLSAT 2026, Lawfren students claimed over 10 per cent of all NLSIU seats, securing All-India Ranks including AIR 8, AIR 10, AIR 13, AIR 15, AIR 19, AIR 20, AIR 25, AIR 36, and many more. The momentum carried over from earlier cycles: a Lawfren student recorded AIR 5 in NLSAT 2024, while NLSAT 2025 rankers secured AIR 10, AIR 25, AIR 36, AIR 69, AIR 72, and AIR 73.

Those numbers rest on a wider base. Today, Lawfren counts 6,000-plus registered users and 2,000-plus students taught, and its learners have secured 100-plus selections across top colleges for the 3-year LL.B. in just two years. That track record explains why aspirants increasingly regard Lawfren as the best NLSAT coaching in the country.

So what sets it apart? First, NLSIU-cracked mentors teach every class, so students learn the exact answer-writing logic that decides selection. Second, Lawfren focuses only on NLSAT-style questions instead of recycling CLAT material. Third, the platform drills both a near-perfect Part A and a high-scoring Part B, because evaluators grade Part B only for candidates who clear the strict 1:5 filter. Exam-specific handbooks, 200-plus practice sheets, and monthly current-affairs compendiums complete the system and in NLSAT 2026, many current-affairs questions mapped directly to Lawfren’s magazines.

Lawfren also extends its expertise well beyond NLSIU. Through the NLSAT Comprehensive Batch and the flagship Lawfren Elite 2027 subscription, students can prepare for eight 3-year LL.B. entrances NLSAT, NLUO NAIET, CNLU-ET, DSNLU DET, SNLU, MHCET, CUET PG, and SLS AIAT under a single plan that bundles 110 CBT mock tests, exam-specific study material, current-affairs magazines, and 1-on-1 mentor guidance. This all-in-one model has made Lawfren the best 3 year LLB coaching for candidates who want to target every National Law University at once.

Technology amplifies the teaching. Proctored All-India Mock Tests run in a CBT mode that mirrors the real exam, detailed audio and video reviews break down every Part B answer, and a smart student dashboard tracks progress while highlighting weak areas. Aspirants can also sample the quality for free before enrolling: Lawfren runs India’s largest free NLSAT ecosystem, including a YouTube channel with 2,900-plus subscribers, the free resource website nlsat.in, and a Telegram community of 1,900-plus learners.

Crucially, Lawfren’s online-first model removes the location barrier. Working professionals, final-year graduates, and repeaters from any city can access NLSIU mentors, live weekend classes, and All-India ranked mocks from home. For thousands of aspirants who cannot relocate to a metro, that accessibility has finally put the best NLSAT coaching within reach.

For students weighing their options, the message is clear. With verifiable results, exam-specific material, NLSIU mentors, and a transparent culture of publishing every rank, Lawfren offers the best NLSAT coaching and the best 3 year LLB coaching available today.

Aspirants can explore the full range of courses, free resources, and success stories at lawfren.com, or connect with the team at admin@lawfren.com.

Harjot Kaur — The Woman Who Chose Humanity Over Applause

Harjot Kaur — The Woman Who Chose Humanity Over Applause

New Delhi, India, 24 July: There are people who build careers. There are people who build reputations. And then, once in a generation, there emerges someone who quietly dedicates an entire lifetime to building humanity itself.

Harjot Kaur belongs to that rare league.

A 1992 batch Indian civil servant, Harjot Kaur’s journey is not merely the story of a bureaucrat rising through institutions. It is the story of a woman who walked through systems, conflicts, poverty, insurgency, global diplomacy, and social injustice, carrying with her an unwavering belief that governance must first serve the weakest human being in the room.

Long before global development became fashionable vocabulary in international conferences, Harjot Kaur was already working silently on the ground, among labourers, women, displaced families, children denied education, and communities forgotten by policy.

Her life has never been about personal recognition. It has always been about responsibility.

From the early years of her career in the Indian Postal Services and the Labour Ministry, Harjot Kaur distinguished herself not through power, but through purpose. She worked relentlessly on issues surrounding child labour, women’s upliftment, and social rehabilitation at a time when such concerns rarely occupied the centre stage of national conversation.

Those who worked with her remember a rare quality, she listened before she acted.

While many merely drafted policies, Harjot tried to understand the human cost hidden beneath files and statistics. Behind every labour report, she saw a child deprived of school. Behind every rehabilitation project, she saw a displaced family struggling for dignity. Governance, for her, was never paperwork. It was people.

And then came Afghanistan.

At the peak of insurgency beginning around 2008, when fear dominated the region and uncertainty clouded every administrative decision, Harjot Kaur stood at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and human resilience. In one of the most volatile environments in the world, she worked tirelessly to strengthen developmental cooperation and human relationships between India and Afghanistan.

Her contribution was so deeply valued that ministers and senior officials reportedly urged the Indian government to extend her tenure there, a rare acknowledgment of trust earned not through politics, but through sincerity and impact.

Where others saw instability, she saw human beings deserving hope.

Her journey then expanded onto the global stage through the United Nations, where she continued her work for women’s empowerment, social justice, and inclusive development. Yet no matter how international her role became, her emotional compass always remained connected to India and its social realities.

By 2016, Harjot Kaur joined the World Bank, carrying forward decades of public service into global development leadership. Today, in Kazakhstan, she heads a major social development vertical spanning multiple nations across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

But titles alone cannot define her work.

Across highways, irrigation systems, mining sectors, water projects, and infrastructure corridors, Harjot Kaur focused on one fundamental question often ignored in the race for development:

“What happens to the people displaced by progress?”

While governments celebrated roads and mega projects, she worked to ensure that displaced families received rehabilitation, employment opportunities, dignity, and a chance to rebuild life again. Her interventions consistently emphasized that development without humanity is incomplete.

That is perhaps what separates Harjot Kaur from ordinary administrators.

She does not measure success merely through structures built. She measures it through lives protected.

And yet, behind this globally respected professional identity exists another extraordinary dimension of her personality, the deeply humane woman known to her family and friends.

A brilliant student who topped Panjab University during her academic years, Harjot Kaur qualified for both the Indian Economic Services and the Civil Services, the achievements that reflected an exceptional intellect from the very beginning.

But brilliance alone never defined her.

Those closest to her describe her as compassionate, forgiving, emotionally intelligent, and profoundly selfless. In an age increasingly driven by ambition and competition, Harjot Kaur remained untouched by bitterness. She carried an unusual ability to forgive, to encourage, and to uplift others without expecting anything in return.

Within her home, she became the emotional backbone everyone leaned upon.

As a mother, she nurtured creativity and courage in her son, Jayesh Jaidka, who is now emerging as a producer-director making his mark internationally. Harjot did not merely raise a child; she cultivated an artist with social conscience.

And perhaps that is why her latest chapter feels so deeply personal.

Beyond governance and international development, Harjot Kaur has now stepped into cinema not for glamour, not for fame, but once again for society.

As producer of the upcoming film Preet, she has invested her own personal earnings to bring forward a story addressing violence against women and the harsh realities faced by illegal immigrants struggling for survival in New York.

At a time when commercial cinema often chases spectacle, Harjot chose substance.

The film, written and directed by her son Jayesh Jaidka, attempts to expose uncomfortable truths, the emotional and human cost of migration, exploitation, isolation, and violence. When others hesitated to support such a subject, Harjot Kaur stepped forward because she believed the story needed to be told.

That single decision perhaps explains her entire life philosophy.

Whether in government offices, conflict zones, international institutions, displaced communities, or now cinema, Harjot Kaur has consistently chosen conscience over convenience.

She paints.

She writes poetry.

She reads deeply.

She believes in equality.

She dreams of a world where girls are educated, poverty is defeated, and opportunity belongs to every human being regardless of class or circumstance.

And despite decades of service across India and the world, she continues to walk quietly, without demand for applause.

History often celebrates the loudest names. But civilizations are truly carried forward by silent builders like Harjot Kaur.

Women who heal systems.

Women who humanize power.

Women who continue serving long after recognition stops mattering.

India has honoured many icons with its highest civilian awards. Yet beyond the ceremonies and headlines are individuals whose life itself becomes an award to society.

Harjot Kaur is one such individual.

An administrator.

A humanitarian.

A global development leader.

An artist.

A mother.

A dreamer.

And above all, a woman who proved that strength and kindness can coexist.

In a fractured world hungry for authentic role models, Harjot Kaur stands not merely as an accomplished officer, but as a reminder of what public service was always meant to be.

Not power over people. But service to humanity.

Vietnam’s stock market: A strategic gateway for Indian investment capital

Vietnam’s stock market: A strategic gateway for Indian investment capital

New Delhi [India], July 24: After 25 years of development, Vietnam’s capital market has evolved into a comprehensive financial ecosystem encompassing equities, bonds, and derivatives, establishing itself as the country’s principal channel for mobilizing medium- and long-term capital. Today, it serves as a strategic gateway for international investors seeking exposure to one of Asia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economies.

A Landmark Milestone: Emerging Market Status

A defining turning point was reached when London-based benchmarking firm FTSE Russell upgraded Vietnam’s stock market from “Frontier” to “Secondary Emerging Market” status. Officially confirmed in April 2026, the upgrade is set to take effect in phases starting September 21, 2026.

This reclassification places Vietnam alongside major economies like China, India, and Indonesia. The upgrade is estimated to unlock US$3-5 billion in portfolio flows in the near term and could reach US$25 billion by 2030 if reforms continue. Furthermore, this move sets the stage for recognition by MSCI, which could potentially attract three to four times the capital flows of the FTSE upgrade.

Expanding Frontiers: The India-Vietnam Investment Corridor

As Vietnam integrates deeper into the global financial system, its relationship with India has emerged as a significant new frontier for capital flows. Marking 10 years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026, both nations are moving toward a more substantive partnership in markets and enterprises.

Strategic Exchange Support: In May 2026, during a state visit to Mumbai, Vietnamese leadership met with the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)–the world’s largest derivatives exchange by volume. The NSE has expressed its readiness to support Vietnam’s capital market development and welcomed Vietnamese firms to access capital through Indian markets.

Targeted Investment Inflows: Indian investment funds are actively seeking opportunities in Vietnam. Notably, Aavishkaar Capital has earmarked a significant portion of a US$60 million fund specifically for Vietnam and Indonesia. These investments focus on high-impact sectors, including sustainable agriculture, green supply chain solutions, and ethical manufacturing.

Shared Economic Synergies: Both countries are among the world’s fastest-growing economies, driven by young populations and a strong focus on manufacturing and technology. This synergy positions Indian institutional investors to play a larger role in Vietnam’s private sector growth.

Strategic Reforms and Modernization

The transition into this “new league” was earned through a sustained reform drive. Key enhancements to Vietnam’s market infrastructure include:

Removal of Pre-funding Requirements: In late 2024, the State Securities Commission began phasing out the rule requiring foreign institutional investors to have 100% cash before trading.

KRX Trading Platform: The “go-live” of the KRX trading platform in May 2025 has significantly enhanced market liquidity and operational efficiency.

Institutional Framework: The government is implementing Central Counterparty Clearing (CCP), with a target for completion by the end of 2027 to minimize settlement risks for global brokers.

Growth Performance and Future Targets

By the end of 2025, the VN-Index approached the 1,800-point mark, reflecting a growth of over 40% compared to the previous year. Market capitalization reached approximately 78% of GDP, and the number of investor accounts surged to nearly 13 million, well ahead of the national target for 2030.

Looking toward the future, the government has set ambitious targets:

Capital Mobilization: Vietnam aims to mobilize approximately US$205.6 billion (5.4 quadrillion VND) through the stock market between 2026 and 2030.

Market Scale: The strategic goal is for stock market capitalization to reach 120% of GDP by 2030.

With continued institutional reforms, modern infrastructure, and strengthening ties with global financial hubs like India, Vietnam is steadily positioning itself as one of Asia’s most promising investment destinations for the coming decade.

Apparel Group and DUDigital Global Commence Indian Consular Application Centre Operations in Kuwait

Apparel Group and DUDigital Global Commence Indian Consular Application Centre Operations in Kuwait

Kuwait | 23 July 2026: Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, in partnership with DUDigital Global, an NSE-listed technology and service company specialising in government service solutions and global mobility, is pleased to announce the official commencement of operations of the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Kuwait under the authorisation of the Embassy of India, Kuwait.

Following a brief administrative pause during the rollout process, ICAC operations have officially resumed, with all three centres fully operational from 23 July 2026. The centres will provide passport, visa and a comprehensive range of consular services on behalf of the Embassy of India, Kuwait.

The partnership combines Apparel Group’s extensive regional presence, operational excellence and customer service expertise with DUDigital Global’s global capabilities in government service delivery and digital solutions to provide secure, efficient and citizen-centric consular services for the Indian community and other applicants across Kuwait.

As the local operating partner, Apparel Group plays a key role in ensuring the seamless delivery of services through professionally managed centres, supported by its deep understanding of the regional market and commitment to service excellence.

Applicants can now access services at ICAC centres located in Kuwait City, Fahaheel and Al-Dajeej. All three centres operate seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing greater accessibility and convenience for applicants throughout the country.

Appointments are recommended and can be booked through the official ICAC Kuwait website at kwicac.dudigitalglobal.com. Tatkal applications will also be accepted on a walk-in basis at all centres, subject to availability and on a first come, first served basis.

ICAC Kuwait offers a comprehensive suite of consular services on behalf of the Embassy of India, Kuwait, including passport applications and renewals, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), attestation services, visa-related assistance, Surrender and Renunciation Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification, and other miscellaneous consular services.

Supported by advanced digital systems, professionally managed service centres and dedicated customer assistance, the centres have been designed to provide applicants with a secure, transparent and efficient service experience while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. Together, Apparel Group and DUDigital Global are committed to delivering a trusted, technology-enabled service model that enhances accessibility while supporting the Embassy of India, Kuwait, in serving the needs of the Indian community and all applicants across the country.

About DUDigital Global

DUDigital Global is an NSE-listed technology and service company, founded in 2015, specialising in visa facilitation, consular support, identity management, digital verification, international workforce mobility, and overseas recruitment solutions. As an authorised partner to governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, the company has successfully processed over 1.8 million applications, operates through a network of 35+ global offices, and is supported by 200+ professionals. Through its government partnerships and licensed international recruitment services, DUDigital Global facilitates the deployment of skilled and semi-skilled talent across global markets, connecting businesses with qualified manpower while enabling secure and compliant overseas employment opportunities. With internationally recognised ISO certifications and a strong technology-driven approach, the company delivers secure, efficient, and transparent citizen and mobility services across multiple countries.

About Apparel Group

Apparel Group is a multibillion-dollar conglomerate since 1996 based in Dubai, UAE, with a growing network of 2,600+ stores and a diverse portfolio of 85+ international brands across 14 countries. The Group has established a strong presence in the GCC—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—and continues to expand across key markets including India, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Egypt. Offering an integrated omni-channel experience, Apparel Group represents global names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, ALDO, Charles & Keith, and Tim Hortons. Its sustained growth is driven by a multicultural workforce of 28,000+ and steered under the leadership of its founders, Sima Ganwani Ved and Nilesh Ved. Website: https://www.apparelgroup.com/en/

Together, DUDigital Global and Apparel Group are committed to delivering efficient, secure, and accessible consular services through ICAC Kuwait, ensuring a seamless experience for the Indian community and others in Kuwait while upholding the highest standards of service, transparency, and operational excellence.

Media Enquiries

Corporate Communications
DUDigital Global

Email: support.du-kwicac@dudigitalglobal.com

ICAC Kuwait: kwicac.dudigitalglobal.com

Website: www.dudigitalglobal.com

Vietnam: A New Strategic Destination for Global Capital The Stock Market Enters a New Phase of Breakthrough Growth

Vietnam: A New Strategic Destination for Global Capital The Stock Market Enters a New Phase of Breakthrough Growth

New Delhi, India, 22 July: Vietnam’s recent upgrade to Secondary Emerging Market status, combined with one of the strongest economic growth rates in the region and far-reaching institutional reforms, is creating significant opportunities for international investors in the Vietnamese stock market.

A Strong Reform Foundation and Long-Term Vision for Global Integration

After nearly four decades of the Đổi Mới (Renovation) reforms, Vietnam is entering a pivotal stage of development with the ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2045. This new phase focuses on transforming the country’s growth model toward higher productivity, greater efficiency, and innovation, while deepening integration into the global economy.

Between 2024 and 2026, the Government introduced a series of strategic resolutions centered on key pillars, including science and technology, digital transformation, private sector development, energy security, and human capital enhancement. These reforms not only provide a long-term development framework but also directly improve the investment environment, creating favorable conditions for international capital inflows.

As global supply chains continue to diversify and restructure, Vietnam has emerged as an increasingly attractive destination due to its competitive cost structure, strategic geographic location, and stable political environment. These advantages are highly valued by international investors seeking sustainable growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Robust Economic Growth Underpins Investment Opportunities

In 2025, Vietnam recorded an estimated GDP growth rate of 8.02%, placing it among the fastest-growing economies in both Asia and the world. GDP per capita reached approximately USD 5,026, officially elevating Vietnam into the upper-middle-income country category.

Economic growth has been supported by balanced expansion across the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors, reflecting a resilient and increasingly diversified economy.

International trade remains a key growth driver, with total import-export turnover exceeding USD 930 billion and a trade surplus of more than USD 20 billion. Vietnam continues to strengthen its position in global supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has also maintained strong momentum, placing Vietnam among the 15 largest FDI recipients among developing economies worldwide. More importantly, FDI is increasingly concentrated in high-value-added sectors such as advanced technology, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy, thereby enhancing the quality of economic growth while creating broader opportunities for financial investors.

Capital Market Reforms Enhance Market Accessibility

One of the most notable developments has been Vietnam’s determination to simplify administrative procedures and reduce barriers to market entry.

The introduction of the non-prefunding mechanism for foreign investors, together with the relaxation of foreign ownership restrictions and mandatory bilingual information disclosure requirements, has significantly improved market accessibility. These reforms bring Vietnam’s capital market closer to international emerging-market standards while creating a more transparent and investor-friendly environment.

The launch of the KRX trading system in May 2025 marked another important milestone in the modernization of Vietnam’s securities market. The new platform lays the technological foundation for advanced trading products, including intraday trading and regulated short selling in the future.

At the same time, Vietnam is developing a Central Counterparty Clearing (CCP) mechanism, which is expected to strengthen market safety, improve settlement efficiency, and help satisfy the requirements for future market upgrades.

A Strategic Window of Opportunity for Global Investors

Vietnam has intensified its international investment promotion efforts while maintaining regular policy dialogues with leading global financial institutions. Investment conferences held in major financial centers such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore demonstrate the country’s proactive approach to enhancing market visibility and attracting long-term institutional investors.

Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to achieve MSCI Emerging Market status before progressing toward Advanced Emerging Market classification by 2030. This roadmap will be supported by continued legal reforms, further liberalization of foreign ownership limits, the introduction of new financial products, and higher corporate governance standards. If implemented as planned, these initiatives could significantly expand both the scale and quality of Vietnam’s capital market.

Vietnam: An Emerging Strategic Destination for Global Capital

As global investment capital continues to be reallocated, Vietnam stands out as one of the few markets combining high economic growth, macroeconomic stability, ambitious structural reforms, and substantial long-term development potential.

Having recently achieved market reclassification while remaining in the early stages of its growth cycle, Vietnam’s stock market represents one of the most compelling investment opportunities in Asia.

Supported by solid economic fundamentals and a clearly defined reform agenda, Vietnam is steadily establishing itself not merely as an emerging market, but as a strategic destination for global capital over the coming decade.

For international investors, the question is no longer whether to invest in Vietnam—it is how early they should establish their presence.

Survivors of sexual violence in South Asia struggle to access compensation, new report finds

Survivors of sexual violence in South Asia struggle to access compensation, new report finds

A new report by SAMAJ reveals why many survivors of sexual violence in South Asia struggle to access financial compensation despite legal guarantees.

Mumbai, India, July 22, 2026: Beyond the devastating psychological and physical impacts, sexual violence often inflicts significant economic harm on survivors. While governments in South Asia have acknowledged this by establishing financial compensation schemes, new research finds that these systems are frequently underfunded, inconsistently implemented, and difficult to navigate, leaving many survivors unable to access the financial assistance they are legally entitled to.

These are just some of the findings of a new report, The Good Practices Paper on Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Violence in South Asia, by the South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ), a coalition of organisations working to end sexual violence in the region.

Why survivors of sexual violence struggle to access compensation

Sexual violence often has long-lasting financial consequences. Survivors may face immediate out-of-pocket costs for emergency medical treatment, counselling, transport, legal assistance and, in some cases, relocation to escape further harm. Many are forced to take time off work or education, lose their livelihoods, or experience reduced earning potential because of the physical and psychological impacts.

SAMAJ’s regional comparison of compensation schemes across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives finds survivors often face complex and lengthy criminal justice processes before they can access compensation.

Long delays in investigations, trials, and administrative processes can leave survivors bearing the costs of pursuing justice while receiving little or no financial support when they need it most. A lack of awareness among both survivors and justice officials about compensation schemes, low conviction rates for sexual violence, and delays in the disbursement of funds are some of the other obstacles survivors face.

Where interim financial support is unavailable, survivors are often forced to choose between pursuing a lengthy and costly legal process they cannot afford or accepting an informal settlement, often under pressure. Coerced out-of-court settlements are widespread across South Asia, and the absence of emergency compensation is a significant factor driving survivors away from formal justice processes and allowing perpetrators to evade accountability.

Compensation systems are failing survivors of sexual violence

In Pakistan, many survivors receive no compensation even after an offender has been convicted, because judges retain broad discretion over whether compensation is awarded, and many choose not to.

In Bangladesh, courts awarded compensation in just 6.8% of reviewed rape cases, despite survivors’ legal entitlement to seek financial redress. The country also has no national victim compensation fund.

Marginalised survivors of sexual violence face greater barriers to compensation

Dalit and Adivasi women, Indigenous women, religious minorities, and children born as a result of rape often face even greater obstacles. Discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion can make it harder to report sexual violence, be aware of legal rights, and navigate complex compensation processes.

Women with disabilities face added challenges as justice officials often lack understanding of disability-related needs. Information about compensation schemes may be unavailable in accessible formats, while police stations, courts, and government offices are not always physically accessible.

Geographical barriers are particularly acute in the Maldives, an archipelago of around 200 inhabited islands. Forensic exam capacity, trained counsellors, shelters, and legal aid are concentrated in the capital, Malé, and just a few other urban centres.

Several guidance notes for victims emphasise the need for rapid reporting to preserve forensic evidence. The island’s geography imposes logistical and cost barriers to the timely medical and forensic documentation that many compensation or assistance procedures require. Meanwhile,

limited public data on compensation awards makes it difficult to assess whether compensation is reaching survivors.

Sri Lanka has established a statutory Victims’ Assistance and Protection Fund, which mandates the formation of a national authority to oversee implementation, including payment of compensation to victims of crime. However, access to victim support services and compensation remains uneven, with survivors in conflict-affected areas, Tamil communities and other marginalised groups facing particular difficulties obtaining assistance and reparations.

In Nepal, survivors of the civil war between 1996 and 2006 remain largely excluded from any compensation because no legal mechanism for conflict-era reparation has been enacted.

How India and Nepal are strengthening compensation for rape survivors

India and Nepal offer the region’s most developed frameworks and practical models for replication, with both systems recognising that compensation must not hinge on requiring a criminal conviction.

Nepal’s Crime Victim Protection Act 2018 consolidates victims’ rights into a single statute and establishes a central Victim Relief Fund through which the state pays compensation when an offender is unable to do so.

India’s system combines a statutory duty on states to fund victim compensation schemes with independent Legal Services Authorities that assess and process claims, while constitutional jurisprudence recognises compensation as an enforceable right. After finding that compensation laws were not being implemented as intended, India’s Supreme Court recently directed courts nationwide to consider compensation in all sexual offence cases.

Manjula Pradeep from the National Council of Women Leaders reflects, “We have seen what compensation makes possible. A Dalit survivor woman in Uttar Pradesh, India, received government grant assistance under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act. That support allowed her to leave her home for safety, return to court, and pursue a law degree.

Without it, by her own account, she could not have continued the case at all. One woman’s story should not be the exception. It must become the standard.”

South Asian governments must enact national victim compensation funds

SAMAJ calls on South Asian governments, donors, and civil society organisations to set up national victim compensation funds in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives that provide compensation independent of criminal conviction.

Additionally, interim disbursement mechanisms are critical so survivors can access emergency support for medical care, psychosocial support and transport immediately.

Governments should strengthen enforcement of court-ordered compensation, publish annual data on compensation awards and payments, and standardise victim fund guidelines to reduce inconsistencies.

SAMAJ urges state authorities to ensure information and processes are available in local languages and accessible formats, and to establish explicit reparations frameworks for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Divya Srinivasan from Equality Now, the secretariat and co-founder of SAMAJ, concludes, “No survivor of sexual violence should face different odds for the same right of compensation.

Across South Asia, the law is either missing or it is not enforced. India and Nepal show another way is possible, even with real resource constraints. We are calling on governments in the region to close this gap – legislate where the law is missing, and fund and enforce it where it already exists, so compensation becomes a right survivors can rely on, not a matter of geography.”

Notes to editors:

For media requests, contact Aakansha Saxena, asaxena@equalitynow.org

About SAMAJ:

The South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ) is a regional coalition of 27 individuals and organisations from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, united in their mission to end sexual violence and strengthen access to justice for survivors in the region. Formed in 2024, SAMAJ works to address deep-rooted legal inequalities by advocating for comprehensive legal reform, ensuring survivor-centred approaches and promoting the inclusion of marginalised communities across South Asia.

Contact samaj@equalitynow.org , equalitynow.org/samaj, LinkedIn @equality-now-asia.

About Equality Now:

Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls, everywhere in the world. It is currently acting as the convenor and secretariat for the SAMAJ coalition. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming 130 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.equalitynow.org, Bluesky equalitynow.bsky.social, Facebook @equalitynoworg, Instagram @equalitynoworg, and LinkedIn Equality Now.

atQor Earns Microsoft Frontier Partner Status

atQor Earns Microsoft Frontier Partner Status

The recognition reflects the depth of AI engineering atQor has built from its India base, spanning manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, and public sector, and extends to Canada and the United States.

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT — July 23, 2026 — atQor, a Microsoft-focused AI and data platform company with its largest engineering base in India, today announced it has achieved Microsoft Frontier Partner status. The nomination and technical validation were led by Microsoft India, and the resulting designation carries global recognition, extending to atQor’s operations in Canada and the United States as well.

atQor holds all six Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, the Support Services designation, Azure Expert MSP status, Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner recognition, and multiple Advanced Specializations spanning Copilot, AI platforms, data and cloud security, identity management, threat protection, and infrastructure migration.

“Our engineers do not wait for a mandate to use AI, they build with it every day, and that is what Microsoft recognized,” said Pushkaraj Kale, CEO of atQor India. “Earlier this year, our teams across Ahmedabad, Mumbai, the National Capital Region, and Bengaluru built and deployed more than two hundred production AI agents in a single seventy-two-hour engineering event, and twenty-five of those are now live on Microsoft Marketplace. This nomination was led by Microsoft India, and it reflects the same discipline our customers see in manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, and public sector work every day.”

“The Frontier Partner designation recognizes organizations that are helping customers move beyond AI experimentation and into business transformation. atQor has consistently invested across Microsoft’s AI, data, cloud, and security stack while building the Go-To-Market and delivery capabilities required to create measurable customer outcomes. We are pleased to see atQor join this distinguished group of partners and look forward to their continued contribution to AI adoption across industries,” said Om Batra, Channel Partner Sales Leader, India and South Asia, Microsoft.

“The most successful AI partners are those that can bridge innovation with operational excellence. atQor has built competencies spanning Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, Security, and Copilot while maintaining a strong focus on delivery quality and governance. Their Frontier Partner recognition reflects the technical maturity and execution capability needed to help customers scale AI with confidence,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Director Tech Sales and Partner CTO, India and South Asia, Microsoft.

“This recognition belongs to the whole company,” said Kartik Shah, Founder of atQor. “Pushkaraj and the India team led the work that earned it, and our Canada and U.S. teams, led by Co-Founder and Global COO Greg Kachhadiya, hold themselves to that same standard. India is a key market for us, and we will continue to invest in and grow the AI vision of India and Indian businesses.”

For customers, the recognition means fewer handoffs: one firm carrying the work from strategy through the AI agent in production.

India at the Center of an Integrated Delivery Model

In India, atQor continues to deepen its Microsoft engineering, solution-development, and delivery capabilities across data, AI, cloud, security, and managed services under CEO Pushkaraj Kale. India carries the largest share of atQor’s engineering work, and is also where the company develops its repeatable accelerators and Microsoft Marketplace offerings.

Converting Delivery Experience into Reusable Solutions

Beyond project delivery, atQor converts customer engagements and its Customer Zero experience into reusable IP and packaged services. atQor’s Microsoft Marketplace portfolio is growing quickly, spanning AI agents, industry accelerators, and professional services in IT support, identity governance, compliance workflows, and security assessments.

atQor is applying these capabilities today across financial services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and public sector organizations, modernizing data estates on Microsoft Fabric, building AI agents for document review and compliance. The relationship typically continues after go-live, through managed Azure operations and security monitoring.

atQor’s Frontier Partner status is effective immediately and applies to its India, Canada, and US operations.

About atQor

atQor is a Microsoft-focused AI and data platform company that helps enterprises move AI from pilot to production. Founded in 2002, the company operates through an integrated presence across India, Canada, and the United States, with its largest engineering base in India. atQor holds all six Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, the Support Services designation, Azure Expert MSP status, Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner recognition, and ten Advanced Specializations. The company is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider for all three countries, including CSP Direct authorization for U.S. Azure Government Cloud and Government Community Cloud. atQor maintains ISO 9001, ISO 20000, ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 certifications for its India operations. Learn more at atQor.com.

Media Contact

atQor Marketing & Communications | marketing@atqor.com

India: +91-706-904-3269  |  United States: +1-844-294-5383  |  Canada: +1-289-290-4490

Kolkata Psychiatrist Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee Raises Awareness on Gen Z Mental Health, Mobile Addiction, Social Withdrawal, and Sleep Disruption

Kolkata Psychiatrist Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee Raises Awareness on Gen Z Mental Health, Mobile Addiction, Social Withdrawal, and Sleep Disruption

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 22: Growing dependence on smartphones, social media, online gaming, and continuous internet access is creating new mental-health concerns among adolescents and young adults. Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee, a psychiatrist practicing in Kolkata, is raising awareness about the need to recognise persistent changes in behaviour, sleep, attention, mood, and daily functioning among Gen Z individuals.

Mobile or internet use alone does not establish a psychiatric disorder. However, concern may be justified when digital use becomes difficult to control, repeatedly interferes with responsibilities, or is accompanied by sustained distress or impairment in academic, professional, social, or family life.

Warning Signs Families and Individuals Should Not Ignore

Possible warning signs may include:

  • Increasing social withdrawal or avoiding family and offline interactions;
  • Sleep disruption, late-night screen use, daytime fatigue, or an altered sleep-wake cycle;
  • Irritability, agitation, or marked distress when internet or mobile access is restricted;
  • Reduced attention, poor concentration, or difficulty completing routine tasks;
  • Declining academic performance, reduced work productivity, or repeated absenteeism;
  • Heightened anxiety, low mood, emotional volatility, or other noticeable behavioural changes.

These signs are not specific to mobile addiction and may occur in several mental-health, medical, developmental, or situational conditions. Their duration, severity, context, and effect on everyday functioning must be assessed before conclusions are drawn.

Why Timely Psychiatric Evaluation Matters

A timely psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether the observed changes are linked to problematic digital use, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, attention-related difficulties, substance use, family stress, or another underlying concern. Early assessment may also reduce the risk of prolonged academic, occupational, interpersonal, or emotional deterioration.

Evaluation does not automatically mean medication or hospital admission. The appropriate response depends on the individual and may involve clinical assessment, counselling or psychotherapy, sleep and routine correction, family guidance, behavioural changes around device use, treatment of an underlying condition, or referral for additional support.

Support for Parents, Families, Schools, and Workplaces

Parents and caregivers should avoid treating every instance of heavy screen use as an addiction. At the same time, repeatedly dismissing significant withdrawal, sleep loss, anxiety, aggression, or functional decline as a “phase” can delay appropriate care. Calm discussion, observation of patterns, reasonable boundaries, and professional evaluation are more useful than punishment, confrontation, or sudden device confiscation without understanding the underlying problem.

Schools, colleges, and workplaces can also play a role by noticing sustained changes in attendance, attention, performance, peer interaction, or behaviour and encouraging the individual or family to seek qualified help when required.

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee’s Psychiatric Practice in North Kolkata

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee holds MBBS and MD qualifications in Psychiatry and provides psychiatric consultations in Kolkata. His practice is located at 19X/1 Dum Dum Road, opposite Cossipore Club and near 7 Tanks Crossing, making it accessible to people travelling from Dum Dum Road and other parts of North Kolkata.

Dr. Mukherjee is also associated with Kolkata Super Speciality Mental Nursing Home. This statement refers only to his professional association and does not imply any additional institutional claim, designation, or endorsement.

Individuals experiencing severe distress, risk of self-harm, aggression, confusion, or an immediate safety concern should seek urgent medical assistance rather than relying solely on online information.

About Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee completed his MBBS from Calcutta National Medical College in 2008 and his MD in Psychiatry from SVS Medical College, Hyderabad. He practices psychiatry in Kolkata and provides consultations for a range of mental-health concerns across age groups.

Consultation Details

Clinic address: 19X/1 Dum Dum Road, opposite Cossipore Club, near 7 Tanks Crossing, Kolkata, West Bengal 700030

Phone: +91 98313 13020

Email: mhrckol@gmail.com

Website: https://drsagnikmukherjee.com/

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MPtLnVTYPoWWybt36

Pauzio Launches AI Voice Agents Built for India, Handling Business Calls in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and 45+ Languages

Pauzio Launches AI Voice Agents Built for India, Handling Business Calls in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and 45+ Languages

Chennai, India, 23 July 2026 — Pauzio, an AI voice-agent platform for businesses, today announced the launch of its automated calling solution designed to help companies handle both inbound and outbound phone conversations without expanding their call teams. Built with a strong focus on the Indian market, Pauzio enables businesses to deploy human-sounding AI agents that operate around the clock and speak natively in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and more than 45 other languages.

As customer expectations rise and phone support costs climb, businesses across healthcare, real estate, finance, e-commerce, education and insurance are under pressure to answer every call, follow up on every lead and stay compliant while doing it. Pauzio addresses this by letting teams create an AI agent, provide a call script, connect their phone numbers and contacts, and launch a live calling campaign in minutes through a no-code builder.

“Most businesses lose customers not because they lack products, but because a call goes unanswered or a follow-up never happens,” said Mr Praveen, Founder & CEO of Pauzio. “We built Pauzio so a growing company can pick up every inbound call and follow through on every lead, at any hour, in the language the customer actually speaks. For the Indian market especially, that last part changes everything.”

Purpose-built for the way India calls

Unlike generic voice-AI tools, Pauzio emphasizes a specialized +91 calling stack with native Indian-language voices and built-in TRAI and DND compliance, giving Indian businesses a calling foundation tuned to local regulations and dialing conditions. The company describes it as one of the deepest India-focused calling stacks available today.

The platform is offered in versions tuned for specific industries, including:

•  Healthcare — appointment reminders and no-show recovery

•  Real estate — lead qualification and site-visit scheduling

•  Banking and finance — EMI reminders, KYC follow-ups and collections

•  E-commerce — cash-on-delivery verification and abandoned-cart recovery

•  Education — admissions and enrollment outreach

•  Insurance — policy renewals and claims updates

Every call, tracked and understood

Each Pauzio call is automatically transcribed, summarized and logged in a central dashboard. Teams get real-time analytics on call volume, conversion, drop-off points and caller sentiment, turning thousands of conversations into data they can act on. The platform also offers native CRM integrations with tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot and Lead Squared, along with optional Google Sheets and Calendar connections, so calls flow directly into a company’s existing workflow.

On security and privacy, Pauzio provides encrypted call recordings and supports GDPR and PDPA compliance requirements.

Simple, usage-based pricing

Pauzio uses a pay-per-minute pricing model with no setup fees and no long-term contracts. New businesses can start with 100 free calls without entering a credit card, allowing teams to test agents on real workflows before committing.

“Voice is still where most high-intent conversations happen, and we want that channel to be effortless for businesses of every size,” added Mr Praveen. “You should be able to launch a fully working AI calling campaign before your coffee gets cold.”

About Pauzio

Pauzio is an AI voice-agent platform that helps businesses automate inbound and outbound phone calls using human-sounding AI agents that operate 24/7 across 45+ languages. With a no-code campaign builder, native CRM integrations, real-time analytics and a dedicated India calling stack with TRAI/DND compliance, Pauzio enables companies in healthcare, real estate, finance, e-commerce, education and insurance to answer more calls, qualify more leads and follow up automatically. To learn more or start with 100 free calls, visit www.pauzio.com.