Page 6 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS
Major Public Relief by NHAI: KYV Discontinued

In a major step to enhance public convenience and eliminate post-activation harassment
faced by highway users, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to
discontinue the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for cars (Car/Jeep/Van category FASTag)
for all new FASTag issuances with effect from 1st February 2026. For existing FASTags
already issued to cars, KYV will no longer be mandatory as a routine requirement. KYV will
be required only in specific cases where complaints are received, such as issues related to loose
FASTags, incorrect issuance, or misuse. In the absence of any complaint, no KYV will be
required for existing car FASTags.

Strong Pre-Activation Safeguards Introduced

n Mandatory VAHAN-based n RC-based validation only in exceptional
validation: FASTag activation will cases: Where vehicle details are not available
be permitted only after validation on VAHAN, issuer banks must validate details
of vehicle details from the VAHAN using the Registration Certificate (RC) before
database. activation, with full accountability.
n No post-activation validation: The n Online FASTags covered: FASTags sold
earlier provision allowing validation through online channels will also be activated
after activation has been discontinued. only after complete validation by banks.

India Census 2027 Self-enumeration available before house listing

The India Census 2027 will be different in several aspects, and
the notification for its first phase has already been issued. The
first phase, which involves house listing, will be conducted
over a 30-day period between April 1, 2026, and September
30, 2026. For the first time in the history of the census, a
self-enumeration option will be available for a 15-day period
before the house listing, according to the notified schedule for
each state and union territory. During this period, citizens will
be able to fill in their information through a designated digital
platform, which will expedite the process. The India Census
2027 will be the first census in the country to be conducted
digitally. A mobile application will be used for data collection, in the second phase of the Census 2027, i.e., the
ensuring that the Census 2027 data is available across the population enumeration. The Census 2027 will be
country in the shortest possible time. The Union Cabinet the 16th census in the country and the 8th census
has already approved the electronic inclusion of caste data since independence.

4 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || February 1-15, 2026