Latest news with #RadioFrequencyIdentification
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
India's High-Security e-Passport Goes Live: Here's What's Inside the Chip
In a significant leap towards modernizing travel documentation, India has begun the phased rollout of its new e-passports, which feature advanced electronic chips for improved security and faster immigration processing. The initiative is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, launched on April 1, 2024, by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). These next-generation passports are now being issued in select cities and will be available across all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) by the end of 2025, the MEA has confirmed. 🔹 What Is an E-Passport? An e-passport is a regular passport booklet embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, located inside the back cover. This chip securely stores the holder's biometric data, including a digital photograph and fingerprints, along with personal information. This allows for quick, secure, and contactless identity verification at immigration checkpoints, especially at automated e-gates in major international airports. A gold RFID chip logo on the front cover distinguishes e-passports from traditional ones. 🔹 Key Features & Benefits Enhanced Security: The RFID chip uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to prevent tampering, cloning, or identity theft. Faster Immigration: Travelers using e-passports can pass through automated e-gates, reducing wait times and minimizing manual checks. Global Compatibility: E-passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, facilitating smoother travel across borders. Reduced Fraud: Digitally signed data stored on the chip makes counterfeiting extremely difficult. 🔹 How to Apply for an E-Passport The application process remains the same as for a traditional passport: Register on the Passport Seva Portal. Log in with your user credentials. Choose ' Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue.' Complete the online form and pay the application fee. Schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK or POPSK. Visit the center with original documents and submit biometric data. Once approved, the e-passport is delivered to your registered address. 🔹 Where Are E-Passports Currently Available? As of now, e-passports are being issued at regional Passport Offices in cities including: Delhi Chennai Hyderabad Jaipur Surat Bhubaneswar Goa Ranchi Nagpur Shimla Amritsar Jammu Raipur This list will expand progressively as the program is scaled up nationwide. 🔹 What About Existing Passports? According to the MEA, existing non-electronic passports remain valid until their date of expiry. There is currently no mandate to upgrade to an e-passport, and citizens can continue to use their traditional passports unless they opt for a new or reissued one under the e-passport system. 🔹 India Joins Global Trend With this launch, India joins countries like the United States, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, and Australia, which have already adopted biometric e-passport systems. The global shift toward electronic travel documents is part of broader efforts to ensure border security, enhance traveller convenience, and support digital governance. ✈️ Looking Ahead The implementation of e-passports is expected to revolutionize international travel for Indian citizens by reducing bottlenecks at immigration and improving security protocols. As adoption increases, Indian travelers can expect more seamless experiences at global airports that support biometric verification.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
GCC to track street and pet dogs with microchips, app, and catcher tools in ₹5.2 crore project
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has begun a project to identify and keep track of community dogs in the city. It has tasked a vendor to design and implement a software platform and mobile application for the purpose. For a total cost of ₹5.20 crore, the company will also supply implantable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchips and maintain the system for a period of five years. The platform would also collect data pertaining to pet dogs, which already have a space on a GCC portal. The application will integrate a State-level dashboard, local body dashboards, mobile tools for dog catchers, a public pet licensing portal, and veterinarian access modules. According to sources in the GCC, the system will support real-time updates, health tracking, cruelty case monitoring, and sterilisation records, with dynamic filtering and exportable reports. The injectable RFID microchip, measuring approximately 12 mm in length and 2.1 mm in diameter, is made of biocompatible glass and conforms to ISO standards. It carries a unique identification code and is to be implanted using a syringe included in the sterilised pack. For every 2,500 microchips procured, one RFID reader will be supplied at no additional cost. The software must incorporate existing pet licensing data from the GCC portal and be hosted on a cloud platform. A training programme covering all stakeholders is included in the implementation. The contractor is required to complete the system deployment within 90 days and continue maintenance and updates for the five-year period.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
FASTag Annual Pass: What do we know so far? What about existing FASTag users?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is contemplating the launch of annual and lifetime toll passes for private vehicle owners. These passes would be incorporated into the existing FASTag system, eliminating the need for additional equipment or proposed annual and lifetime FASTag passes represent a forward-thinking approach to modernising India's toll collection system. By integrating these passes with the existing FASTag infrastructure, the government aims to enhance travel convenience, reduce congestion, and promote efficient use of national discussions progress, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits for both commuters and the broader transportation PRICING AND VALIDITY Under the proposed plan, two options are being considered:Annual pass: Priced at Rs 3,000, this pass would offer unlimited travel on all national highways and expressways for one pass: For a one-time payment of Rs 30,000, vehicle owners could avail themselves of unlimited highway access for 15 private car users can obtain a monthly rechargeable pass for Rs 340, totalling Rs 4,080 annually, applicable only to a single toll proposed annual pass offers a more economical and convenient alternative, granting unrestricted travel across the national highway WITH FASTAG SYSTEMThese new passes are designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing FASTag infrastructure. Introduced in 2014, FASTag employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to facilitate electronic toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings to vehicle windscreens, FASTag enables drivers to pass through toll plazas without stopping for BEHIND THE INITIATIVEThe initiative aims to address several issues:Reducing congestion: By minimising the need for individual toll transactions, the passes are expected to decrease traffic bottlenecks at toll convenience: Regular commuters would benefit from the ease of unlimited travel without the hassle of frequent toll efficiency: The upfront cost of the passes could lead to savings for frequent travellers compared to per-trip toll IMPLICATIONS AND REVENUE CONSIDERATIONSIn the fiscal year 2023-24, private vehicles contributed approximately Rs 8,000 crore to the total Rs 55,000 crore toll receipts, accounting for 53% of toll transactions but only 21 per cent of total toll private cars represent nearly 60 per cent of traffic in the toll lanes during peak hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).While the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may experience a short-term revenue slowdown, officials believe that the introduction of these passes will not result in long-term financial anticipated reduction in congestion and improvement in travel efficiency are expected to offset initial revenue CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONThe proposal also includes plans to eliminate physical toll booths, replacing them with sensor-based digital toll collection systems utilising GPS and automated vehicle tracking for toll transition aims to ensure barrier-free travel and reduce travel time for address concerns from contractors and toll operators, the Ministry plans to compensate them based on digital toll data and a government-approved banks may be granted more authority to prevent toll evasion, including enforcing minimum balance requirements on FASTag-linked accounts.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
India goes digital with e-passports: Is it time to upgrade yours?
The age of digital travel has officially arrived in India. Now that the government is implementing chip-enabled e-passports in a few places, Indian tourists will now be able to experience improved security, quicker immigration, and worldwide compatibility. The introduction promises a safer and more intelligent method of crossing foreign borders, marking a major improvement over the conventional passport booklet. What is an e-passport, though, and is it necessary for existing passport holders to convert? Here's all that you need to know. What is an Indian e-passport? An Indian e-passport is a modern travel document that combines the traditional paper booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. The passport holder's biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and photos, are safely stored on this chip. These passports are recognised by a unique gold-colored insignia on the front cover. Processing at immigration checkpoints is made faster and more secure by the use of this technology. Key benefits of e-passports Enhanced security : Digitally signed biometric data, secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), is stored on the integrated chip in e-passports. This security framework ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the data, making it difficult to fabricate or change the passport. Streamlined immigration : e-Passports enable automated and contactless verification at border controls, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the travel experience. Global compatibility : Indian e-passports, which adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, will allow Indian nationals to enjoy hassle-free travel abroad, as these chip-based passports are recognised and acknowledged at immigration checkpoints in most parts of the world. Fraud prevention : By discouraging counterfeiting and unauthorised changes, advanced security elements in e-passports shield users against fraud and identity theft. Read more: Beginner's guide: 10 countries first-time solo travellers can visit Is it mandatory to replace existing passports? No, holders of valid passports are not obliged to switch to electronic passports. Conventional passports will continue to be valid until they expire. For new applicants and those renewing their passports, the switch to electronic passports is being made gradually. Where are e-passports being issued? As part of the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0, the Indian government launched e-passports on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase. Currently, selected passport offices in cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi are equipped to issue e-passports. There are plans to expand this facility to more centers in the near future. Read more: 8 lesser-known hill stations cooler than Shimla How to apply for an e-passport The current online passport application procedure can be used by citizens to apply for an e-passport. The new chip-enabled passport will be issued to applicants throughout the application or renewal procedure if the relevant passport office is prepared to issue e-passports. In the upcoming months, a phased deployment of the government's efforts to allow all passport offices nationwide to issue e-passports is anticipated. With the launch of these passports, India moves ahead to improve national security and make foreign travel easier for its Government encourages residents to choose the new, safe, and internationally accepted travel document when they apply for or renew their passports, even if current passport holders are not required to use e-passports. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Nylon
20-05-2025
- Business
- Nylon
Getting more acquainted with the Dyson Supersonic r and why its the must-have hairdryer
If there is ever a time to get a Dyson hairdryer, this is the time to get one especially with the recent launch of the Dyson Supersonic r. For those unfamiliar with the Dyson Supersonic r, it is a professional grade hairdryer that has a new technology streamlined heater, the Dyson Hyperdymium motor, and intelligent Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensors which communicate with the hair dryer, allowing for automatic adjustment of the motor and heater to deliver optimal airflow and temperature. Image courtesy of Dyson. Even though the hairdryer was unveiled about a year ago, the Dyson Supersonic r had only been available to professional stylists and not regular consumers, until now. Speaking to NYLON Singapore, Dyson Associate Design Manager Low Chen Nyeow shared that the Dyson Supersonic r was initially launched for professional stylists backstage at Fashion Week during the A/W24 season in 2024. 'It was upon seeing the demand and desire for salon-quality results at home in the last one year that we decided to bring the technology to consumers,' said Low Chen. Image courtesy of Dyson. Low Chen explained that its smaller size compared with the original Supersonic hair dryers, gave Dyson the opportunity to 'fine-tune' the technology to provide optimised performance beyond what they've ever done before. She said: 'A key component of the machine is our new heater technology and new format in the shape of an 'r'. It is 30% smaller and 20% lighter too, offering increased manoeuvrability when styling. We have also engineered the machine to unlock a new level of precision styling for a smoother finish and more shine.' Low Chen added that the proprietary new streamlined heater technology is a 'big part' of making the machine more powerful while being lighter. 'We developed a whole new heater for this machine that was small enough to fit right in its body — a stamped Iron-Chronium-Aluminium alloy that is extremely power-dense — and engineered to streamline and heat powerful airflow evenly for precise, fast drying in less space with an improved finish.' Image courtesy of Dyson. In addition to the advantages in size, Low Chen said that these heater foils also provide three main advantages. With a custom design, the heater foils are able to go right across the cross section of the machine to heat the airflow very evenly so that there are no hotspots and it is possible to tune up the average temperature of the heater without risking any heat damage. 'They are ultra responsive too, as they have lower thermal mass than open wire heaters, giving you more responsive heat control and an instant cold shot,' said Low Chen, 'We can position for maximum exposure to the airflow as well, with minimum impact to the flow rate and performance, giving you the ability to streamline airflow, exactly where you need,' This essentially results in a superior finish as the Dyson Supersonic r's heater unlocks higher temperatures with no extreme heat for reduced frizz, flyaways and smoother shinier hair. Image courtesy of Dyson. So how exactly did the shape of the Dyson Supersonic r come about? Low Chen shared that its unique shape was an ergonomic design choice to provide users with better control, comfort and manoeuvrability when drying and styling. 'The curved 'r' shape allows for easier reach in areas that are traditionally difficult to access and helps to distribute weight for a lighter feel, reducing strain on the user's hands especially during longer styling sessions,' she said. Low Chen also explained that the cold shot button had been repositioned on the machine for easier access with your index finger when in use. 'We know that stylists love how this dryer cools down almost instantly to lock styles in shape, and we wanted to design it in a way that makes styling even easier and more efficient for users.'
