India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

07 September 2023
-------------------------------
India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

India's first UPI-ATM, a White Label ATM (WLA) by Hitachi Payment Services in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was introduced to enable seamless cash withdrawals without the need for physical ATM cards.

This innovation allows customers of certain banks to enjoy QR-based cashless withdrawals. The UPI-ATM, also known as Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW), offers a simple process for users of participating banks who use UPI to withdraw cash from compatible ATMs.

Here's how it works:

• Select Withdrawal Amount: Customers choose the desired withdrawal amount when selecting the 'UPI cash withdrawal' option at the ATM.
• Generate QR Code: The ATM screen displays a unique and secure dynamic QR code linked to the selected withdrawal amount.
• Scan QR Code: Users scan this QR code using any UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones.
• Authorize Transaction: To complete the transaction, users input their UPI PIN on their mobile device, authorizing the cash withdrawal.

Key Features of UPI-ATM:

• Compatible with various systems.
• No physical card required for transactions.
• Transaction limit of up to ₹10,000 per transaction, aligned with existing UPI daily limits and issuer bank's UPI-ATM transaction limits.
• Convenient cash withdrawals without the need for an ATM card.
• Allows cash withdrawals from multiple accounts via the UPI app.

How UPI-ATM Differs from Bank's Cardless Cash Withdrawals:

• Current card-less cash withdrawals rely on mobile numbers and OTPs, whereas UPI-ATM utilizes QR-based UPI cash withdrawals.
• UPI-ATM is accessible to UPI users who have a UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones, offering a secure and efficient alternative for cash withdrawals.

Sanchi Achieves Milestone as India's First Solar City

07 September 2023
-------------------------------
Sanchi Achieves Milestone as India's First Solar City

Solar City Inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister

The World Heritage Site Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district has become India's first solar city. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched. It has a capacity of 3 megawatts in Nagauri near Sanchi, which will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 13,747 tonnes. This is equivalent to more than 2,38,000 trees. Sanchi has become India's first solar city. The production of electricity from coal and other resources causes a negative impact on the environment. The citizens of Sanchi, the Renewable Energy Department, and all scientists have done a commendable task by resorting to solar energy option.

Sanchi's Aspiration: Becoming a Net-Zero City

The resolve to make Sanchi a net-zero city with the help of IIT Kanpur is a commendable step. This city will be an example before the world. It is very important to save the environment. The increasing energy needs have to be met by the use of renewable energy. Soon solar pumps will also help in agriculture

This plant will help Sanchi in annual saving of ₹ 7.68 crore on electricity expenditure. The citizens of Sanchi have adopted an idea of solar in every home. A five-megawatt solar project will be established in Gulgaon soon, which will meet the energy needs of the agricultural sector near Sanchi. About 7,000 citizens in Sanchi have taken a pledge to save electricity by using solar stand lamps, solar study lamps and solar lanterns in their homes. About 63 kilowatt capacity solar plants have been installed on domestic rooftops.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Madhya Pradesh Chief minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan;
• Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;
• Madhya Pradesh Official fruit: Mango;
• Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel.

India to be renamed Bharat? Here is a list of countries that changed their names

06 September 2023
-------------------------------
India to be renamed Bharat? Here is a list of countries that changed their names

The recent use of 'President of Bharat' in an official G20 summit dinner invitation has sparked speculations about a potential name change for India to 'Bharat.' While this development has drawn criticism from opposition parties, it's not uncommon for countries to undergo name changes. Let's explore some examples from around the world.

1. Turkiye - Formerly Turkey:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared the official name change to Turkiye to better represent the nation's culture and civilization globally.

2. Czechia - Formerly Czech Republic:

In April 2016, the Czech Republic streamlined its name to Czechia for simplicity, facilitating recognition in sports and international marketing.

3. Eswatini - Formerly Swaziland:

Swaziland became Eswatini to eliminate confusion with Switzerland and embrace its indigenous heritage.

4. The Netherlands - Formerly Holland:

In January 2020, The Netherlands shifted focus from Holland for promotional purposes, projecting itself as open, inventive, and inclusive.

5. Republic of North Macedonia - Formerly Macedonia:

To join NATO and distinguish from Greece's region named Macedonia, it became the Republic of North Macedonia in February 2019.

6. Sri Lanka - Formerly Ceylon:

Sri Lanka discarded the colonial name Ceylon in 2011, asserting its independence from historical remnants of Portuguese and British rule.

7. Ireland - Formerly Irish Free State:

In 1937, Ireland adopted the name 'Ireland' and officially became a republic.

8. Republic of Cabo Verde - Formerly Cape Verde:

In 2013, Cape Verde adopted the full Portuguese spelling, 'Republic of Cabo Verde,' honoring its official language.

9. Thailand - Formerly Siam:

Siam transitioned to Thailand in 1939, briefly reverting to Siam between 1946 and 1948, and officially becoming the Kingdom of Thailand.

10. Myanmar - Formerly Burma:

In 1989, Myanmar replaced Burma as the official name, reflecting linguistic accuracy despite ongoing global usage of the older name.

11. Cambodia:

Cambodia underwent various name changes over the years, reflecting its complex history, including the Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, State of Cambodia, and Kingdom of Cambodia.

12. Democratic Republic of Congo:

The Democratic Republic of Congo experienced multiple name changes, evolving from Congo Free State to Belgian Congo, Congo-Leopoldville, Republic of Congo, Republic of Zaire, and finally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997.

13. Iran – Formerly Persia:

Iran transitioned from Persia to Iran in 1935, changing how the country and its citizens were identified, sparking debates among Iranians.