Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released new guidelines on authentication for digital payment transaction. 

• The framework mandates Two Factor Authentication for all digital payments, though no specific method is enforced.
• At least one of the factors of authentication should be dynamically created or proven in the digital payment transactions (other than card present transactions). 

About Two Factor Authentications (2FA)

• It is an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data.
• Mechanism: Combines two of three factors i.e., something you know (password), something you have (phone, token), or something you are (biometrics).

UAE unveils First Sovereign Mobility Cloud to promote Autonomous mobility strategy.

• Sovereign Mobility Cloud: Establishes a secure digital infrastructure for next-generation transportation.
  •  It will support high-definition mapping, telematics, fleet operations, traffic management, etc.

Autonomous Mobility 

• It is based on the use of autonomous vehicles.
  • An autonomous vehicle is a type of vehicle that can operate with little or no direct input from humans.
  • It is based on technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), AI, Global Positioning System, etc. 
• Potential Benefits: Optimizing traffic flow, road safety, etc. 

DRDO & Strategic Force Command (SFC) successfully launched the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system.

• This is first-of-its-kind futuristic rail-based missile system that can move on rail networks without pre-conditions.

About Agni-Prime Missile

• It is an advanced, two-stage, solid-fueled, canister-launched ballistic missile developed by DRDO. 
  • It is the newest missile in the Agni series. 
• Range:  Up to 2000 km.
• It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed MoU to combat cybercrimes and Financial Frauds.

About FIU-IND, 2004

• It is central, national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analyzing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions to enforcement agencies and foreign FIUs.
• It is independent body reporting directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by the Finance Minister deriving powers from Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Union Government, in collaboration with the University of Kashmir, launched the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme.

• Under the Frontier Region Programme, 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) will be set up in J&K.

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016 
• Objective: Create and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship 

Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL)

• It is a state-of-the-art space established under AIM in a school.
• Objective: Foster curiosity and innovation in young minds, between grade 6th to 12th across the country through 21st century tools and technologies such as Internet of Things, 3D printing etc.

Recently, India allowed export of 2^nd Generation (2G) ethanol with mandatory license & feedstock certificates requirements.

About 2G ethanol

• Also referred to as “Cellulosic ethanol” or “advanced biofuel”, it is produced from plant fiber called cellulose.
• Sources of 2G ethanol: Waste Agri-residues like rice & wheat straw, cane trash, corn cobs & stover, etc.

Other Generation of Ethanol

• 1G: Made from food crops rice, wheat, barley, corn, etc.
• 3G: Derived from aquatic biomass such as algae.
• 4G: Derived from engineered plants and microorganisms.

After suspected Russian drone incursions in Denmark, the European Union has started efforts towards building a ‘drone wall’. 

About Drone Wall

• An artificial intelligence (AI)-based multilayered drone defence system called Eirshield, an anti-drone platform. 
• Designed to work on fast-flying unmanned targets carrying warheads.
• Provides early warning, real-time threat detection, and intelligence against drone incursions, GPS jamming, and other unconventional attacks.

Recently, concerns have been raised on Iran’s resumption of enrichment of uranium.

About Enrichment of uranium

• To "enrich" uranium means taking the naturally found element and increasing the proportion of uranium-235 while removing uranium-238.
• Method: Mainly done using centrifuges.
  • Centrifuges spin uranium gas at extremely high speeds, separating heavier U‑238 (moves outward) from lighter U‑235 (stays near the center).
• Enrichment Levels & Uses
  • (3–5%) U‑235: Civilian nuclear power reactors.
  • (>20%) U‑235:  Highly enriched uranium (HEU), potential for weapons.
  • (~90%) U‑235: Weapons-grade, compact and efficient for nuclear arms.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that taxation cannot be used as a tool to discriminate against goods imported from other states under Article 304 (a) of the Constitution.

• States can design taxes in a way that ensures imported goods bear the same burden as locally produced goods.

About Article 304 (a)

• It mentions that a State or Union Territory can charge tax on goods coming from other States or UTs.
  • However, it must not discriminate between imported goods and similar goods made locally.