Managed by UIDAI, Aadhaar facilitates seamless identity validation essential for government schemes, financial services, and more. Verification happens via OTP, biometrics like fingerprints and iris, or demographics, making it versatile for banks, telecoms, and welfare programs.

The minister spotlighted the AI-driven facial authentication, a game-changer using machine learning for accuracy. To access these tools, organizations register as AUAs or KUAs under regulatory guidelines.

Addressing privacy concerns head-on, Prasada detailed log retention policies: two years active access for users in disputes, followed by five years in archives. Encryption safeguards data everywhere, with laws curbing misuse.

A multi-layered audit system—self-assessments, yearly security checks, and GRCP reviews—ensures unwavering reliability. Protocols demand explicit consent, limited-purpose use, certified hardware, and no biometric hoarding by third parties.

India-centric data handling reinforces sovereignty and security. As Aadhaar powers direct benefit transfers and digital transactions, it stands as a beacon of innovation, propelling India’s leap into a cashless, paperless future.

At a press briefing before the upcoming 70th Commission on the Status of Women, Hendricks highlighted India’s feat in providing digital identities to its vast female population—one-fifth of the global total. ‘This is an exemplary move,’ she said, pointing to eased regulations for opening digital bank accounts.

Under PMJDY, 56 percent of accounts belong to women, facilitated by the Aadhaar biometric ID system. This financial gateway empowers women to pursue entrepreneurship and economic independence, showcasing legislation’s power to enact change.

Hendricks linked this to broader UN goals, referencing Guterres’ report that calls for justice access amid global disparities where women hold just 64 percent of men’s legal protections.

The report urges targeted actions for non-discriminatory justice rooted in human rights, tackling exclusion and inequalities. India’s success story underscores that inclusive policies can accelerate gender parity, inspiring nations everywhere to follow suit.

‘Ten years ago, a Mumbai cart vendor had no bank account—no address, no papers, no access. Today, he takes instant, free payments from anyone nationwide via his phone,’ Macron narrated. This isn’t just technology at work; it’s a civilizational shift, he emphasized.

He marveled at India’s unique feats: Aadhaar’s digital IDs for 1.4 billion citizens, UPI’s staggering 20 billion monthly transactions, and over 500 million digital health records issued. These scales are unmatched globally.

Macron recalled the Paris AI Action Summit co-hosted by France and India, where they set principles for AI to drive positive change in health, energy, transport, farming, and public services. Amid AI’s rise as a strategic battleground with Big Tech’s dominance, he lauded India’s focus on sovereign innovation—through efficient small language models and massive GPU support for startups via 38,000 units at low costs.

Concluding powerfully, Macron revisited the vendor tale: The world once scoffed at India’s digital dreams for its masses; India triumphed. Today, doubters say AI favors giants alone. But India, France, Europe, and allies can pioneer a responsible, innovative model, harnessing AI for humanity’s good. This partnership will define tomorrow’s AI landscape.

The change was prompted by the alleged fraudulent deletion of thousands of voters in Karnataka’s Aland assembly constituency. Investigations revealed that out of 6,018 deletion requests, only 24 were legitimate, while the rest were incorrect. The mobile numbers used for OTPs did not belong to the actual voters in many instances. This event compelled the EC to strengthen security and verification processes, leading to the implemented changes.

The EC emphasizes that no voter’s name can be directly deleted online. Physical verification by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is essential. Voters will be given a full opportunity to present their case.

ECINet, launched earlier this year, consolidates approximately 40 older apps and portals, including ERONet. Through this platform, voters can easily apply online, and officials can take action on those applications. The e-sign feature has been added to this platform to ensure transparency and security.

Dr. Siddharth highlighted that Aadhaar verification led to the identification and cancellation of numerous fraudulent ration cards in Bihar. The issue of Aadhaar cards is linked to various government departments. He noted that an individual possesses multiple cards and numbers associated with them, such as Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, and bank accounts, leading to challenges in accurately identifying the correct individual.