Page 6 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS
New Aadhaar App Launched, Adding 5 Profiles

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new mobile
application. This app is designed to allow Aadhaar holders to carry, share, display, and verify
their digital identity in a secure, convenient, and confidential manner. The app allows adding
up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single mobile device, realising the concept of “one family,
one app”. The new app promotes minimal data usage, enhances security, and offers several
other features:

n It encourages Aadhaar number holders to share only
selected information.
n The app includes hotel check-in via QR code
scanning for offline verification by requesting entities.
n The app incorporates use cases such as optional
facial verification, age verification for cinema ticket
booking, hospital entry for visitors and attendants,
and verification of gig workers and service partners.
n The app also includes facial authentication for
attendance proof, one-click biometric lock/unlock,
viewing authentication history, and QR code-based
features for sharing contact details.

n In addition to address updates, residents can now
also update their registered mobile number through
the app.

Makhana becomes a global brand; the Development
first consignment is shipped to Dubai of Civil Aviation
India is the largest producer of makhana (fox nuts), accounting for 80% Infrastructure at Leh
of global production. Bihar contributes 85% to the national makhana A project aimed at developing civil
production. The livelihoods of 10 lakh farmers are linked to this industry. aviation infrastructure at Air Force
In this context, the first sea consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana Station Leh was inaugurated by
from Purnea, Bihar, has been shipped to Dubai. This is a significant Lieutenant Governor of the Union
step towards increasing farmers’ income and empowering FPOs Territory of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta.
(Farmer Producer Organisations) through exports. Mithila Makhana has The infrastructure has been upgraded
strengthened the identity of Indian agriculture and culture on the global in record time despite extremely
stage. Darbhanga is one of the major centres for makhana production and challenging high-altitude terrain and
has also been recognised under the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative adverse weather conditions. The
for makhana. The central government established the Makhana Board in upgraded infrastructure will enable
smoother aircraft ground movement and
2025 to promote the production, processing, value addition, marketing, and facilitate quicker civil departures. These
export of makhana. It has also approved a central scheme for makhana improvements will enhance passenger
development with an outlay of ₹476 crore. The central government has convenience and reduce turnaround
created a separate HSN code to promote time. It will ensure more reliable air
exports, and Mithila Makhana services, while also strengthening the
has also received a GI region’s ability to respond swiftly to
tag. humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief requirements.