Masked Aadhaar – What Is It, Meaning, Download Masked Aadhar Online

 

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has considered the data privacy issue of individuals and come up with a different version of Aadhaar called the masked Aadhaar. Read through to know more about what it is and how to get it for yourself.

What is a Masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar option lets you mask the first 8-digits of your Aadhaar number, while the other 4 digits will be visible. When you download this version of your Aadhaar, your photo, QR code, demographic information, and other details will still be present. This card will be signed by UIDAI; therefore, you do not have to worry about its acceptance or legibility.

This version can be used where you have to provide Aadhaar only as an identity proof. You can provide masked Aadhaar to verify your photo along with the last 4 digits of the unique ID.

How to get a Masked Aadhaar?

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/.

Step 2: Select the option ‘Download Aadhaar’ under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.

Step 3: Follow one of the following methods to download your masked Aadhaar. The first two methods are only for residents of India.

Method 1: Aadhaar Number

If you already have an Aadhaar card, enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number along with your full name and pin code on the portal.

Method 2: Enrolment Number

Use the 28-digit enrolment number along with your full name and pin code to download the card.

Method 3: Virtual ID

You can enter the 16-digit Virtual ID on the portal to download the masked Aadhaar.

Step 4: Check the box with the label ‘I want a masked Aadhaar?’ to choose masked Aadhaar.

Step 5: Click on the ‘Send OTP’ button. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 6: Enter this OTP on the portal to access your masked Aadhaar.

Step 7: Alternatively, you can click on the ‘Enter TOTP’ button to use the time-bound OTP (TOTP) generated from mAadhaar app.

Step 8: Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded.

It is recommended to download your masked Aadhaar and keep it handy. You can use it whenever a need arises.

Source: https://cleartax.in/s/masked-aadhaar-uidai

IMPORTANCE OF MASKED AADHAR CARD:

• Since it just reveals the last four digits of your Aadhaar, users can share their Masked Aadhaar for eKYC in areas where revealing the whole Aadhaar number is not required.
• To protect users from fraud, the first eight are masked by the security function.
• The disguised Aadhaar can be obtained via e-Aadhaar, which is a password-protected electronic duplicate of Aadhaar.
• The competent Authority of UIDAI has digitally signed these online copies. According to the Aadhaar Act, an e-Aadhaar is as valid as a physical copy of Aadhaar for all purposes.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/what-is-masked-aadhaar-and-how-can-it-help-you-1956931-2022-06-01

New Passport Rules in India

In order to streamline, liberalize and ease the process of issue of passport, the Ministry of External Affairs has taken a number of steps in the realm of passport policy which is expected to benefit the citizens of India applying for a passport. 

The details of these steps are given below:-

DOCUMENTATION FOR PROOF OF BIRTH

• As per the earlier rules, submitting a birth certificate was compulsory for all applicants born on/after 26th January 1989. But the new rules have bought in a relaxation in this regards. Now, any of the following documents containing the DOB of the applicant will suffice:
• Birth Certificate (BC) issued by the Registrar of births and deaths or the Municipal Corporation or any other prescribed authority whosoever has been empowered under the Registration of Birth & Deaths Act, 1969 to register the birth of a child born in India
• Transfer/school leaving/matriculation certificate issued by the school last attended/recognised educational board
• PAN card
• Aadhar card/E-aadhar
• Copy of the extract of the service record of the applicant (only in respect of Government servants) or the pay pension order (in respect of retired government servants), duly attested/certified by the officer/in-charge of the administration of the concerned ministry/department of the applicant
• Driving license
• Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India
• Policy bond issued by the public life insurance corporations/companies

DETAILS OF PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN:
In a welcome move, the new passport rules has done away with the mandate requiring names of both parents at the time of application. An applicant now only needs to provide the name of either one of the parents or the legal guardian. This makes it easier for children with single parents or orphans to apply for a passport. Provisions have also been made for spiritually oriented people (Sadhus/Sanyasis) who can now mention the name of their spiritual leader instead of their biological parents.

ANNEXES
The total number of annexes has been bought down from 15 to 9. Annexes A, C, D, E, J, and K have been removed and some of them have also been merged. Lesser annexes means less trouble for you to collate documentation.

ATTESTATION
While all annexes needed attestation from a Notary/Executive Magistrate/First Class Judicial Magistrate previously, henceforth all these annexes can now be in the form of a self-declaration from the applicant on plain paper. This will spare you all the running around for attestation that you would have had to do previously.

MARRIED/DIVORCED PERSONS
The need for a marriage certificate has been discontinued (along with annexure K). Also, in case of a divorce the applicant will not be required to provide the name of their spouse. This is another interesting change that has been made taking into consideration changing societal norms.

WORK RELATED URGENT PASSPORTS
For urgent passports, if a government employee is unable to procure the NOC (no objection certificate) or identity certificate from their employers, they can submit a self-declaration stating that they have given a prior intimation letter to their employer informing that they are applying for an ordinary passport to a passport issuing authority.

Overall, this move is set to make the application process easier and hassle-free for everyone. A welcome move, we say!

Source and other details visit: http://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/27874/Announcement_of_new_Passport_Rules

Top 10 Amazing bridges in world

The world’s most famous bridges may not be the longest bridges, tallest bridges or highest bridges, but they are the most recognizable bridges in the world by far.You can now  take a tour through the ancient spans, iconic structures and bridges with unique and interesting features.

Here are the top 10 most famous bridges:

1. Tower Bridge,London, England.

Tower Bridge (built 1886–1894) is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London which crosses the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name, and has become an iconic symbol of London.

The bridge consists of two towers tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. The bridge's present colour scheme dates from 1977, when it was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee. Originally it was painted a mid greenish-blue colour.

Source and for other details:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge

2. Golden Gate Bridge,San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County. It is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States. It has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

The Frommers travel guide considers the Golden Gate Bridge "possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world".

Source and for other details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge

3. Brooklyn Bridge,New York City

The Brooklyn Bridge looms majestically over New York City's East River, linking the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since 1883, its granite towers and steel cables have offered a safe and scenic passage to millions of commuters and tourists, trains and bicycles, pushcarts and cars. The bridge's construction took 14 years, involved 600 workers and cost $15 million (more than $320 million in today's dollars). At least two dozen people died in the process, including its original designer. Now more than 125 years old, this iconic feature of the New York City skyline still carries roughly 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians every day.

Source and for other details:http://www.history.com/topics/brooklyn-bridge

4.The Wind & Rain bridge,China

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, also called Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge, spans the Linxi River of Sanjiang County. Built in 1916, it is 64.4 meters (73.43 yards) long, 3.4 metes (3.72 yards) wide and 10.6 meters (34.78 feet) high. Constructed with wood and stones, its surface is paved with wooden boards and both sides are inlayed with railings. On the bridge itself, there are five tower-like kiosks with 'horns' and eaves which resemble the flapping wings of birds.

Dong Village near the bridge

To one's surprise, the builders of this bridge did not use any nails or rivets. Instead, talented Dong people dove-tailed many pieces of wood. Though several decades old, it is still very sturdy. In a word, it is grand and looks like a brilliant rainbow crossing over the river.

Walking out onto the bridge, you can sit on the bench and appreciate the picturesque scenery. Looking far ahead, you will be intoxicated with what you see: the Linxi River meandering from the horizon; tea trees growing on the hills; local peasants working hard in the fields; and waterwheels turning, sending water cascading down the river.

Source and for other details:

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangxi/sanjiang/winds_rain.htm

5.Ponte Vecchio,Florence,Italy

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge spanning the river Arno in Florence. It is one of the few remaining bridges with houses built upon. The Vasari corridor that runs over the houses connects the Uffizi with the Pitti Palaceon the other side of the river.

The pedestrian bridge is often teeming with tourists and the many musicians, portraitists and other entertainers create a constantly vibrant atmosphere. The bridge is at its most beautiful at dusk, especially when seen from the Ponte Santa Trinità.

                                        Shops on the Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. It is believed that a bridge already existed here during the Roman times. Its current appearance dates back to 1345 when it was built to replace a bridge which was destroyed by a flood. Houses were built on the bridge, a common practice in large European cities during the Middle Ages.

The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence that survived the Second World War unscathed.

Source and other details:
http://www.aviewoncities.com/florence/pontevecchio.htm

6. Covered Bridges ("The Kissing Bridge"),Ontario, Canada

The West Montrose covered bridge is recognized as a historic site by Ontario's Archeological & Historic Sites Board. It is Ontario's last remaining covered bridge and has a 198' span across the Grand River. Visitors come from all over the world to see and photograph this picturesque bridge.

The roof over the bridge served to protect the large timbers and trusses from the elements, and this is also the reason the bridge is still standing after more than 100 years. Uncovered wooden bridges have a life span of only 10 to 15 years because exposure to rain causes unprotected joints to rot in summer and freeze in the winter; the hot sun causes the wooden planks to dry and curl. Applying oil and tar to preserve the floor made the surface slippery when wet. 

Horses fear rushing water and would often become spooked as they approached bridges. A horse will trot up to the opening of a covered bridge and clip-clop through, reassured by the side walls and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The bridge was built in 1881 and underwent major repairs in 1999. Light traffic is still crossing the bridge daily including horse and buggies. 

The bridge is often referred to as "The Kissing Bridge" because it is enclosed and the soft light provides a feeling of intimacy for the romantic.

7. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Scotland

Fans of the Harry Potter films will recognize this as the railway viaduct that the Hogwarts Express chugs across. It's not the only film to feature it. It 'starred' in Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny and Ring of Bright Water too. 

Built by Sir Robert McAlpine at the end of the 19th century, the viaduct is composed of 21 arches, each spanning 15 metres and has a maximum height of 30 metres offering sumptuous views down to Loch Shiel below. The railway viaduct is on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Lochaber in the Highlands and a round-trip ticket, between mid-May and the end of October, will set you back 32 pounds (around $50).

8. Si-o-se Pol, Isfahan, Iran

Si-o-se Pol, which means the Bridge of 33 Arches, has stood in Isfahan, Iran, since the 17th century. Spanning the river Zayandeh Rud, it's one of 11 bridges in Isfahan. It's one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design although Khadjou Bridge is considered to be more beautiful. 

There are two rows of 33 arches and its yellow brick and limestone masonry give it that buttery softness that, when the sun hits, makes it appear to melt into the river. It's a charming bridge of alcoves, where you can sit and admire the view. Or, in the tea house, sip cups of steaming tea.

9. Teufelsbrucke, Switzerland

This is the bridge that was built by the devil. Or so it is said. The story goes that the devil built the bridge and in exchange for his engineering and construction skills, he'd receive the first soul to cross it. The canny villagers sent a goat instead of a person, and, enraged by this, the devil tried to destroy his newly constructed bridge by throwing a boulder (the Teufelsstein, the devil's stone) at it. 

However, catching sight of an old woman carrying a cross, he took fright and ran away, dropping the stone as he went. Myths aside, the Teufelsbrucke spans the Reuss River high up in the Swiss mountains in the canton of Uri. It provides access to the St. Gotthard Pass. The bridge that is in use now is actually the third bridge. The first bridge (wooden and built by the devil) was built in 1230 and the second (built in the 1820s) is located close to this 'new' (1950s) concrete bridge.

10.Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France

Pont Neuf is Paris's oldest bridge - and one of its most famous - but the Pont Alexandre III is the most extravagant and highly decorated bridge on the Seine. This arch bridge (connecting the Champs-Elysees quarter with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower quarters) was built for the Universal Exposition of 1900, the great world's fair. 

Russia's Tsar Nicholas II lay the first brick (it was at a time when France was courting Russia as an ally) and it was named after the Tsar's father Alexander III. This historic monument is studded with gilded-bronze winged horses, compositions in copper that represent the nymphs of the Seine (the nymphs of the Neva in Saint Petersburg are represented downstream) and ornate lamp posts (candelabras really) that are adorned with cherubs.

Effect of Cell Phone radiation and Precautions To Reduce it

What is Cell(Mobile)Phone Radiation?

Whenever your cell phone is turned on, it is emitting potentially harmful EMF(ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELD) radiation. Possible side effects can range from disrupted sleep patterns to changes in DNA. When you hold your cell phone up to your ear, 10% to 80% of the radiation from the phone penetrates two inches into your brain. In children, the penetration is even deeper. Studies have shown that cell phones held near the head cause brain wave changes in 70% of people. 

The effect of mobile phone radiation on human health is a subject of interest and study worldwide, as a result of the enormous increase in mobile phone usage throughout the world.

What are the dangers of mobile phones?

Despite extensive research on the subject, there has been no conclusive evidence that using a mobile phone causes long term harmful effects in humans.

The pace of mobile phone technology is advancing at a far quicker pace than the research required into the potential harm they can cause; much more research is needed (and is being undertaken) before we can know for certain the effects they have on human health.

Studies have shown that exposure to the RF(Radio Frequency) waves emitted from mobiles can cause:

• Headaches
• Genetic damage
• Impaired immune system
• Cancers, including brain tumors and melanoma
• Break in the brain/blood barrier
• Reduced melatonin
• Interference with pacemakers
• Memory loss
• Changes in electrical activity in the brain
• Cardiovascular stress
• Fatigue
• Eye problems

The health risk is considered to be very, very small, although some individuals may be more susceptible to radiation than others.

Whilst it's true that excessive exposure to RF waves causes heat to be generated, the spoof claims you may have heard about being able to cook an egg using a mobile phone are entirely false.

Nevertheless, mobiles do emit low doses of radiation so common sense dictates that precaution should be taken when using them.

Here are some important tips to minimize exposure:

1. Keep some distance – 

Hold your cell phone as far away from your body as possible. Moving your phone 20cm away from your head reduces radiation doses by about 98%. So instead of placing it under your pillow when going to bed, leave the phone at a bedside table.

2. Use a Wired or Bluetooth Headset

Use a headset (wired or Bluetooth) to keep the handset away from your head.

3. Do Not Press Handset Against Your Head

Do not press the handset against your head. Radio Frequency (RF) energy is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source -- being very close greatly increases energy absorption.

4. Limit the Length of your Calls

Limit the length of mobile calls as you will be exposed to radiations for lesser amount of time if you don't go on talking for long. Try not to chat for hours on end or, if you must, get a hands free kit

5. Use text (SMS) instead of voice wherever possible.

This pings the cell phone towers for seconds rather than minutes and minimizes your radiation exposure. This would allow you to keep the instrument away from your head and you will be saved from unnecessary radiations.

6. Put the cell phone on speaker mode

Use the speakerphone on your cell phone when you can have a public conversation, or hook your cell phone up to an earphone or headphones to keep it as far from you as possible while still talking on it.

7. Use Phone Only When You Have Good Signal Strength

Use your phone where reception is good. If the radio signal is weak, amobile phone will increase its transmission power. Find a strong signal and avoid movement.

8. Avoid Mobile Phone with Metal Framed Glasses

Metal and water are good conductors of radio waves, so avoid using a mobile phone while wearing metal-framed glasses or having wet hair.

9. Wait for the Call to Connect before you Put it on Ear

Let the call connect before putting the handset to your ear or before you start speaking and listening – a mobile phone first makes the communication at higher power and then reduces power to an adequate level. More power is radiated during call connecting time.

10. Use a Wired Landline Phone

When you are home, use a wired landline. Remember, cordless phones connected to a landline can emit radiation much like cell phones.

11. Avoid Keeping the Switched On Phone in Upper Pocket

When your phone is ON, don't carry it in chest/breast or pants pockets. It might harm your fertility or your heart. When a mobile phone is ON, it automatically transmits at high power every one or two minutes to check (poll) the network.

12. Reduce Children's Mobile Phone Usage

Reduce children's mobile phone use, as a younger person will likely have a longer lifetime exposure to radiation from cell phones.

13. Keep your Cellphone Away if you Have Medical Implants

People who have active medical implants should preferably keep the cell phone at least 15cm away from the medical implant.

While purchasing a mobile handset, check its SAR value. This can be found on the internet if you know its make and model.

SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate, this value signifies the amount of radiation (in Watts) which is absorbed by per unit KG of your body. The maximum value limit allowed in India is 1.6 W/Kg, this calculation for SAR value is usually done by the manufacturers of the smartphones and then sold out in the market. Any smartphone having a SAR value more than this number cannot be sold in India.

14. Reduce Use of Mobile Phones when in a Car

The RF radiation is increased by mobile phones when used in a car to overcome the window shielding. So try to reduce such use or stop it altogether.

15. Place your Cell Phone on Both Ears Interchangeably

Switch sides regularly while communicating on your cell phone to spread out your exposure. Earlier, reports have surfaced stating that the radiations are less harmful when phone is placed on the left ear, but seems that wasn't correct.

16. Avoid Talking in Enclosed Metals Spaces like Airplanes

Try not to use your cell phone in elevators, trains or planes. Cell phones draw more power, and emit more radiation, in enclosed metal spaces.

17. Consider Radiation Protection Devices

Lastly, consider investing in some form of radiation protection. There are tons of products out there, such as Global Healing Center’s cell phone radiation protector. You can also protect yourself from radiation in your home by placing a large electromagnetic field protector in the area.

Source: https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/mobile-phone-radiation/

http://www.fropky.com/cell-phone-radiation-reduced-vt61974.html
http://gadgetstouse.com/gadget-tech/sar-value-amount-radiation-smartphone-produces/21003
https://www.safespaceprotection.com/emf-health-risks/emf-health-effects/cell-and-smart-phones/