The Silicon Review ^Asia

Thanks to technology, it is helping people in every way to stay during the lockdown. With that said, the tech giant Google has launched 'Nearby Spot' under Google Pay using which users can track local stores selling essentials like groceries that are open, amid the lockdown. The Nearby Spot will be launched in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi soon, Google India said.

"With the lockdown and social distancing norms in place, digital payments have become more important than ever and Google Pay is an additional surface to provide key information regarding COVID-19," it added.The company has launched the application on Google Pay that aggregates all pertinent information on the topic, sourced directly from the Health Ministry.This Spot also helps users donate to PM-CARES Fund or to NGOs such as SEEDS, Give India, United Way and Charities Aid Foundation that are working towards procurement of protective equipment for medical workers and relief for lockdown-impacted daily wagers. "Donations to PM-CARES on Google Pay have thus far collected over Rs 105 crore and continue to grow," it noted.

Google has taken a number of steps in India to help bring authoritative reliable information to people, and provide features across its products that can be helpful during the tough time like such.