India’s Property Registration Goes Digital The Registration Bill 2025 replaces the 117-year-old Registration Act, 1908, introducing a fully digital property registration system across India. NRIs can now register property, sign documents, and receive digital registration certificates online—eliminating the need for physical visits, Power of Attorney (PoA), or middlemen. The digital system promises tamper-proof records, greater transparency, reduced encroachments, and smoother title transfers.

Expanded Document Coverage & Faster Approvals

• Mandatory digital registration for more documents, including sale agreements, PoA, sale certificates, and mortgage agreements.
• Integrated land/property records enable instant title verification and history checks.
• Faster verification accelerates home loan and financing approvals.

Convenience, Security & Grievance Redressal

• OTP-based verification for NRIs.
• Centralized grievance redressal and easier consulate integration for PoA validation.
• Aadhaar-based verification (optional, with alternatives for non-Aadhaar holders).
• Quick escalation of disputes or fraud to an appellate tribunal.

These measures make property transactions more secure, transparent, and NRI-friendly.

Impact on NRI Investments

The Bill is expected to boost investor confidence, create new real estate opportunities, and attract more NRI investments. However, challenges remain in bridging India’s digital divide, ensuring data privacy, and achieving smooth statewide adoption.

Summary

The Registration Bill 2025 marks a major shift in India’s property market, empowering NRIs with secure, accessible, and efficient property management—anytime, anywhere.

Made-in-India messaging app Arattai, developed by Zoho, has surged to the No. 1 spot on India’s App Store after a 100× jump in daily sign-ups. Registrations grew from about 3,000 to over 350,000 within just three days, reflecting strong demand for a secure, home-grown alternative to global platforms.

Arattai offers chat, media sharing, voice/video calls, multi-device use, and channels, with more features being fast-tracked for release by November. The app has also received public backing from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who called it a secure and easy-to-use Indian platform.

With its rapid adoption, Arattai is emerging as a strong contender in India’s digital communication space, especially appealing to those seeking a reliable, Made-in-India solution.

What NRIs Should Know

• Download & register: Arattai is available on major app stores and supports international mobile numbers.
• Secure messaging: End-to-end encryption for text messages is still being implemented, so exercise caution for sensitive info.
• Multi-device access: Use the app on multiple devices, making it convenient for NRIs staying in touch with family in India.

IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced a new feature that allows NRI customers in 12 countries to make real-time UPI payments using their international mobile numbers—without requiring an Indian SIM card or paying transaction fees.

Scope & Availability

The service is available to NRIs in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the US. Transactions can be made through NRE/NRO accounts via the bank’s app or any UPI-enabled platform.

Convenience & Compliance

• Send/receive money using UPI IDs, QR codes, or mobile numbers.
• Available only on KYC-compliant accounts, under RBI and FEMA regulations.
• Transactions subject to AML and compliance checks for security.

Impact for NRIs

This move eliminates the need for NRIs to maintain an Indian SIM card, reducing costs and simplifying bill payments and fund transfers from abroad. It also places IDFC FIRST Bank alongside peers like ICICI, HDFC, Axis, and Federal Bank in delivering NRI-friendly digital banking solutions.

By enabling UPI on international numbers, IDFC FIRST Bank strengthens its digital-first strategy, making financial transactions for NRIs faster, easier, and more accessible worldwide.