UPSC Prelims
28 July 2026
Prelims Pinpointer
Prelims Pinpointer — 28 July 2026
FRT · NIPU · CARF
Topic 1
Facial Recognition Technology
Topic 2
National Investment Policy for Urea
Topic 3
Crypto Asset Reporting Framework
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Facial Recognition Technology (FRT)
Science & TechNews Context
The Delhi Police deployed Facial Recognition Technology during Jantar Mantar protests. The system matched live CCTV images with criminal databases.
Key Facts
Meaning & Working
- Identifies individuals using unique facial biometrics.
- A biometric authentication technology based on facial features.
- Works through images, videos, and audiovisual facial records.
- Captures facial images and extracts biometric features.
- Extracted biometrics are matched with stored databases for identification.
- Enables identification, verification, or authentication of individuals.
Key Features & Applications
- Passwords are not essential for biometric authentication.
- Every individual possesses a unique facial biometric pattern.
- Supports secure remote identity verification.
- Mobile authentication without passwords.
- Secure access to buildings and restricted facilities.
- Identity verification during airport and hotel check-in.
- Authentication for digital and physical payments.
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Source: The Hindu
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National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)
EconomyLatest News and Context
The Union Cabinet approved the National Investment Policy for Urea 2026. The policy seeks greater self-reliance in domestic urea production and encourages fresh investment in gas-based urea manufacturing units.
Key Facts for Prelims
Objectives & Key Reforms
- Promote domestic production and reduce dependence on urea imports.
- Encourage investment in modern gas-based urea manufacturing units.
- Fixed and variable costs have been separated for greater transparency.
- Return on Equity ranges between 12% and 16%.
- Fixed costs convert into Indian Rupees after four years.
- The policy also reduces foreign exchange risk for investors.
Policy Evolution & Production Facts
- The first investment policy was introduced during 2012.
- The policy was revised during 2013, 2014, and 2015.
- The reforms encouraged establishment of six new urea manufacturing units.
- India presently has 33 operational urea manufacturing units.
- Domestic production still remains below national demand; the gap is bridged through imports.
- Gas-based plants dominate India’s urea manufacturing sector; urea is one of India’s most heavily subsidised fertilizers.
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Source: The Hindu
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Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)
EconomyCBDT’s Crypto Reporting Guidance: News Context
CBDT issued guidance on crypto asset reporting under the Income Tax Act, 2025. The framework aligns India’s reporting system with OECD CARF, and standardises reporting by crypto asset service providers.
Key Facts for Prelims
CARF: Objective & Key Features
- Promote standardised reporting of crypto asset transactions.
- Strengthen tax transparency through international information sharing.
- Based on the OECD Crypto Asset Reporting Framework.
- Applicable to Reporting Financial Institutions.
- Standardises identity, tax residency, and transaction reporting.
- Supports cross-border exchange of information.
VDAs under Income Tax Act
- 30% tax applies on VDA gains.
- 1% TDS applies on eligible VDA transactions.
- No new ITR filing requirement for investors.
- Crypto exchanges report transaction data to tax authorities.
- Investors should maintain accurate transaction records.
- ITR disclosures should match exchange records.
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Source: Livemint
