Zomato Temporarily Pauses UPI Rollout for New Users

Zomato Temporarily Pauses UPI Rollout for New Users

By Author

Published on July 13, 2023

Zomato, the food and grocery delivery company, has temporarily halted the onboarding of new users on its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. The sign-up option for Zomato UPI has been disabled for the past few weeks. While the service remains available for existing users, Zomato decided to suspend onboarding new users to incorporate feedback and improve the onboarding process. A Zomato spokesperson confirmed that they plan to resume enrolling new users by the end of the month.

Zomato introduced its UPI offering in May to enable seamless payments for users on its platforms without the need to switch apps. Alongside this, Zomato Pay allows customers to make payments at selected restaurants using various payment options. In August 2021, Zomato established a subsidiary called Zomato Payments Pvt Ltd to provide digital payment services. In 2022, Zomato saw an increase in annual transacting customers for food ordering.

Zomato's decision to launch its own UPI offering aligns with the National Payments Corporation of India's efforts to expand the UPI ecosystem. The digital payments landscape is currently dominated by PhonePe and Gpay, accounting for the majority of UPI-based transactions. Flipkart, an e-commerce company, is also reportedly working on its own UPI service, which holds significance following PhonePe's separation as a standalone entity under Walmart.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hosts IPL 2026 Viewing Experience at Hydeout Bar & Lounge

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hosts IPL 2026 Viewing Experience at Hydeout Bar & Lounge

By Hariharan U

Published on April 22, 2026

As the excitement of the Indian Premier League 2026 builds across the city, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has introduced a dedicated match-viewing experience at Hydeout Bar & Lounge.

Designed as a lively, open-air setting, the venue offers a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere where guests can catch live matches with comfortable lounge seating, ambient lighting, and a social, fan-driven vibe. The experience will run until May 31, 2026, aligning with the ongoing cricket season.

To enhance the match-day experience, the venue has introduced themed beverage offers inspired by cricket moments. Highlights include the Powerplay Bucket, featuring four beers available until the sixth over, and the Hat-Trick Bucket, where guests receive a complimentary beer if a hat-trick occurs during the match.

Additional offerings include the Free Hit Bucket, paired with snacks such as French fries or masala peanuts, and the Fan Jersey Bucket, which rewards guests wearing an India jersey with a 20% discount. These curated combinations aim to bring together sport, socialising, and casual dining in a single setting.

With its focus on shared experiences, themed offers, and a vibrant viewing environment, Hydeout Bar & Lounge positions itself as a go-to destination for cricket enthusiasts looking to enjoy the IPL season in a more engaging, community-driven atmosphere.


Penguin Overseas Launches ‘So Good Soju’ to Tap India’s Evolving Drinking Culture

Penguin Overseas Launches ‘So Good Soju’ to Tap India’s Evolving Drinking Culture

By Hariharan U

Published on April 22, 2026

Penguin Overseas has announced the launch of ‘So Good Soju’ in India, marking its entry into the fast-growing low-ABV, flavour-forward beverage segment that is reshaping consumption patterns among younger consumers.

Positioned as a modern lifestyle drink, the brand reflects a shift towards lighter, more social, and experience-driven drinking occasions, from house parties to casual evenings out. The launch taps into the rising popularity of Soju, globally recognised as the largest-selling spirit category by volume.

In India, this growing familiarity is being driven by increasing exposure to Korean culture across music, entertainment, and cuisine, translating into higher demand for approachable and versatile alternatives to traditional spirits.

Manufactured locally, So Good Soju combines global inspiration with local relevance, backed by Penguin Overseas’ 17-year experience in building the Soju category in India. The product is designed to deliver a clean, smooth, and balanced drinking experience, using natural flavours.

The portfolio is available in both still and sparkling formats, with current variants including Peach, Green Apple, Yuzu Lime, and K-Bomb, while additional flavours such as Strawberry, Blueberry, Green Grape, and Lemon are in development.

Commenting on the launch, Jaspreet Singh, Founder and CEO, Penguin Overseas, highlighted the shift in consumer behaviour towards lighter and flavour-led drinking experiences, noting that the brand aims to make social drinking more accessible and enjoyable.

Positioned as an accessible yet premium offering, So Good Soju is priced competitively, making it more affordable than imported alternatives while maintaining a strong flavour profile.

Currently available in Maharashtra and Haryana, the brand is set to expand into Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu in a phased rollout.

With its vibrant flavour range, easy-drinking profile, and cultural relevance, So Good Soju aims to play a key role in shaping the next phase of India’s evolving social drinking landscape.


Catch the Cricket Fever at The Hood by Olive in Bengaluru

Catch the Cricket Fever at The Hood by Olive in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 22, 2026

Cricket season brings with it a lively buzz, and The Hood by Olive in Bengaluru is all set to match that energy with a vibrant match-day experience. Located in Ashok Nagar, this neighbourhood bar creates a setting that feels both social and engaging, making it a great spot for fans to come together and enjoy the game.

The space combines a stylish design with a relaxed layout, offering comfortable booth seating along with a casual indoor courtyard. Guests can catch every moment of the match on large screens while soaking in the upbeat atmosphere that builds with every over.

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Alongside the screenings, the menu adds to the experience with a mix of global flavours. From Lebanese Shankleesh to Japanese Toro Temaki and crispy Arare Shrimp, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. The drinks menu features signature cocktails as well as classic beers, giving guests plenty of choices to keep the mood going throughout the match.

Whether it’s a quick outing with friends or a longer match-day plan, The Hood by Olive brings together food, drinks, and cricket in a way that feels easy and enjoyable.

  • Address: The Hood by Olive, Krishna Manaera, 14/1, Wood St, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
  • Timings: 12 pm - 1 am.

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