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

Tips for first time flyers

There are many rules and regulations that must be followed when traveling by airplane. Not only do the legal rules need to be followed, but each airline will have its own guidelines and safety regulations as well. The policies and procedures could be different from one airline to the next.

My suggestion is to review the specific airlines’ guidelines prior to travel. Most of this information is available online, but you can always contact customer service via telephone.

Here are 10 air travel safety tips that you should follow when traveling on all airlines.

#1. Flight Attendant Passenger Briefing – Safety Procedures

If you only end up listening to one of my tips on the list, hopefully, it’s this one.  It is so important that every passenger on board listens to the flight attendants passenger safety briefing.

This briefing is something that only takes a few minutes of your time and could be critical in a life and death situation. Besides, what else are you doing anyway while sitting on the plane waiting to take off?

If you are sitting in the emergency exit row, the flight attendants will give you a special briefing on how to operate the door in the event of an emergency. They will only allow passengers who are willing and capable of accepting this responsibility to sit in this row.

Paying attention to the briefing and reading the safety card in the seat pouch just may save your life or someone else’s in the event of an emergency.  Avoid sleeping, playing games, reading the paper or talking during the briefing. Your life may depend on it!

#2. Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened At All Times

If you listen to the safety briefing, you will notice that you must keep your seat belt on at all times. Yes even when the seat belt sign is turned off, which only the pilots can do.

It is possible that the aircraft could experience turbulence unexpectedly, and serious injury could result if your belt is not fastened. Not only that, but serious injury to others is possible if you are not secure.

#3. Dress Properly

Not many people think of this but it is important to dress properly while traveling on an airplane. Being comfortable will help you move easier if needed, and also certain materials like cotton are known to protect your skin.

Also avoid high heel shoes, for obvious reasons. Not a great idea to be running from an airplane or going down an evacuation slide in high heels!

#4. Be Aware Of Your Location On The Plane

As part of the safety briefing mentioned earlier, you should always know where your seat is located in relation to the aircraft doors. Most large airliners will have emergency exits at the front, middle and back of the plane. Have a look to see which exit is closest to you in the event of an evacuation.

Also, know that the aircraft floor has illuminated lighting directions to point you in the direction of an exit if the visibility is reduced.

#5. Avoid Alcohol

It is very easy to become dehydrated on an aircraft. The longer the flight, the worse it can be. Make sure to drink lots of liquids. Water is hands down the best choice. If you can, try to avoid coffee, tea and fruit juices.

Alcoholic drinks are a poor choice when flying for many reasons. They don’t help combat dehydration. They also have a stronger effect in the thinner air of an aircraft at altitude. I have seen it far too many times, someone will have a few drinks in the air and it leads to a bad situation.

Alcohol also makes it tougher when trying to avoid jet lag.

#6. Have Respect For The Crew Members

 Some people just have no respect for the people in charge of looking after them and saving their life when called upon.

Being rude, incompliant with rules, offensive, or harmful has no place on board an airplane. The airlines have strict policies in place to deal with passengers who behave badly. Most times it ends up in an arrest from police. This type of behavior is not acceptable; it has huge safety implications and won’t be tolerated in any way.

#7. Keep Heavy Objects Out Of The Overhead Bins

This is something to be aware of in the event of turbulence, that the overhead bins may accidentally open. This could cause injury to you or others around you. The overhead bins are for storing carry on items, not large heavy items. Larger items should be placed in the aircraft as checked luggage.

#8. Wear Air Compression Socks

If you are traveling on a long flight, you can periodically get up and move around to stretch. This is good for your health. It’s normal for your body to struggle with good blood circulation on longer flights. Walk up and down the aisles. Walk to the bathroom and back. You can even just stand in the aisle next to your row for a period of time. Even just doing some stretching or twisting movements in your seat will help. All these will reduce discomfort from swollen legs and feet and help prevents poor circulation problems and deep vein thrombosis.

Additionally, to help to prevent this, I highly recommend a pair of air travel compression socks. These will help prevent swelling and blood clotting on a long flight. They will help keep your circulation going. Perfect for swollen calves and ankles. Taking a little extra time to walk around the airport on your layovers or between flights just to get some extra exercise even if you don’t feel a need to do it can pay off towards the end of a really long journey.

#9. Oxygen Masks

Properly knowing how to use your oxygen mask is crucial. Every seat on board the plane should have an oxygen mask available above your head. This mask will automatically fall down in the event of an unequal pressure inside the aircraft cabin.

The first step is to always secure your own mask first before helping other people around you. This is very important due to the fact that you will not be able to help anyone if you are incapacitated. This will be demonstrated during the safety briefing as well.

#10 Emergency Evacuations

In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, it is very important to follow the procedures that are outlined by the crew members. This includes leaving behind your personal belongings like luggage.

Trying to get your carry-on baggage from under the seat or the overhead bin delays the evacuation. This puts yourself and others at risk.

Summary

As you can see, there are many things that you can do in order to stay safe on board the airplane. Following some basic rules will go along way in keeping yourself and others safe. I recommend following these 10 air travel safety tips for all flights you might travel on. The rules apply to everyone.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful.

Thanks for reading!

Source: https://travelonthefly.com/air-travel-safety-tips/

Things You Should Do Before Boarding a Plane

                                    Boarding a plane

1. Download and Use Your Airline’s App

Unless you're checking a bag, there's no reason to queue up at the check-in desk or deal with a fingerprint-smudged kiosk at the airport. Download your airline's app ahead of time, make sure your reservation details are in, and then use it to check-in. You can also get the Boarding pass online which will save your time in waiting at the booking counter to obtain boarding pass. That way, you can head straight to security when you arrive at the airport. 

2. Get the Airline Credit Card

Don't fly enough to earn elite status? Airline credit cards like the United Explorer and American's Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select offer cardholders perks similar to elites, including free checked bags and priority boarding. Carrying one of these cards can save you money on luggage and ensure you'll find carry-on space in the overhead bins ahead of the crowd.

3. Have a Status Strategy

Speaking of airline status, if you are going for gold (or silver, or platinum) this year, make sure your frequent-flier number is attached to all your airline reservations. Even if you're not flying your usual carriers, chances are the airline you're on is partners with another you fly more frequently thanks to alliances. That way, you can earn airline miles toward status on every single flight you take.

4. Check Aircraft Alternatives

Seats and amenities can vary dramatically, even from plane to plane within a single family of jets in a particular airline's fleet. Once you settle on an airline, double-check the aircraft type and seat map on the carrier's site to make sure you're flying the plane you want. After all, you don't want to think you're booking one of Qatar Airways' QSuites only to end up with a random recliner.

5. Assess Your Seating Situation

Whether you like a window or an aisle, it's worth checking SeatGuru's detailed seat maps to confirm your chosen place on the plane won't be too close to the galley or the lavatories, with their associated noises (and smells!).

6. Stay Organized

Keep all your information in one place by using App in the Air or TripIt, two apps that do things like consolidate your flight statuses, check-in times, gate numbers, and nearby lounge locations, and will update you on schedule and gate changes.

7. Check Real-time Reports

Like a jilted lover, airline apps are usually the last to know when things are going wrong. Use FlightStats to track flight statuses, on-time performances, weather conditions, and even the flight history of your specific aircraft, all in real time so that if your plane is delayed, you can be the first to know and the first to get rebooked.

8. Remember the Liquid Lowdown

Remember, any liquids you're carrying through TSA checkpoints must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart. 

9. Size Up Your Bag

Sighting a new revenue source, many airlines have instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags, which are stringently enforced by eagle-eyed gate agents. Check your bag's dimensions at home and make sure they adhere to your airline's limits. Keep in mind that European carriers' limits vary slightly from those in the U.S. Blame it on standard versus metric. 

10. Gather Your Gadgets

Phone: check. Laptop: check. Tablet: check. Camera: check. Spare charger: check. Power cords: check. Travelers are carrying more electronics than ever. Luckily, there are organizer cases galore to keep all your devices and cables within reach and ready for security screening. 

11. Remove Those Batteries

Due to fears of onboard fires, airlines have instituted smart luggage battery bans since January 2018. If your bag has a battery pack, be prepared to show that it is removable in case your bag has to be gate-checked. But don't leave that battery pack at home, necessarily. Just because your airplane seat is supposed to have power ports does not guarantee that they'll actually work when you're on the plane.

12. Connect for Less

Many airports offer free Wi-Fi, but beware of hackers. Using a VPN offers a measure of protection.

13. Lounge Around

Why wait at the gate when you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and snacks in the comfort of a lounge? LoungeBuddy posts reviews on airport lounges around the world, including their entry requirements and how you can score day passes. Several premium credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Platinum Card from American Express, confer access to hundreds of Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Frequent travelers can also consider airline-specific cards such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or United Club Card, which get you into a particular carrier's clubs. The agents in them can also usually help you faster than those out in the terminal, and get you rebooked if something goes awry with your travel plans. 

14. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Airplane cabin climate settings seem to vacillate between icebox and toaster oven, with no habitable happy medium in between. And no one wants to touch those germy air nozzles, which only provide a hissing draft of dry air anyway. Dress for any contingency by wearing multiple light layers, and look stylish to boot. 

15. Stick Your Neck Out

As airlines squeeze more and more seats into coach, ergonomics seem to be flying out the window. Luckily, travel pillow technology has never been better, with options for every type of sitter and sleeper. It's time to invest in a quality travel pillow that will spare your neck and back the worst effects of a long flight in cattle class.

16. Bring Your Own Bottle

Avoid single-use plastic  by bringing an empty travel water bottle with you instead. Some are even collapsible to save you space, and more airports have installed water bottle filling stations next to drinking fountains to make carrying your own that much more convenient.

17. Disinfect Everything

Due to the number of people passing through and touching everything, airports and airplanes are some of the germiest places around. Protect yourself as much as possible by using disinfecting wipes on your hands and your airplane seat once you get settled. Because they're not liquid, like hand sanitizer, wipes will also not count toward your carry-on liquid limit.

18. Moisturize Like a Maniac

Even on next-generation jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, cabin humidity levels rarely top 20% (and are only around 8-10% on conventional aircraft). To avoid looking like a prune after your flight, pack a light moisturizer and apply it frequently.

20. Get a Jump on Jet Lag

Flying across multiple time zones? Use an app like Entrain or Timeshifter before you fly. Both help you gradually shift your pre-travel schedule toward your destination time zone based on your specific plans and preferences so that by the time you fly, you're already ahead of jet lag.

21. Park Like a Pro

Airport parking lots can fill up quickly during the busiest travel times. Use SpotHero to reserve a place in advance at lots near over 40 airports throughout the U.S.

22. Understand Your Credit Card Protection

Flight delays and cancellations happen. If you travel frequently, it pays to carry a credit card you know will protect you under certain circumstances. Many offer compensation for delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more if you use them to pay for travel plans. So if you have to spend money staying somewhere overnight or to replace certain items, it won't come out of your bottom line. Before traveling, read your card's benefits packet carefully to understand what you're entitled to and how to go about claiming it.

23. Investigate Intelligent Insurance

Beyond delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, which are covered by most major credit cards, you might want to insure an expensive trip with a policy that includes provisions for emergency medical evacuation and cancellation for any reason. InsureMyTrip.com is a convenient resource for comparing travel insurance plans from major providers.

24. Strictly avoid carrying things prohibited by the Airlines

The following items are prohibited on a plane:

• Sharp objects
• Sporting goods and athletic equipment
• Self defense items
• Gel-type candles
• Large quantities of alcohol (more than 3.4 ounces)
• Guns and ammunition
• Cigarette lighters with a blue flame, cigar lighters, and 'strike-anywhere' (non-safety) matches
• Compressed gases, whether deeply refrigerated, flammable, non flammable or poisonous such as butane, oxygen, liquid nitrogen and aqualung cylinders
• Smart bags (unless the batteries can be removed)
• Lighter fluid, flammable paint, fuel, gasoline and aerosol cans.

Bonus: Don't Forget the Essentials

If you're flying during the pandemic, you'll want to check your airline's guidelines for travel as well as your destination's requirements for incoming visitors. Stash extra face masks, wipes, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials in both your carry-on and checked luggage so you're never without them.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/what-to-do-before-flight