Revolution in UPI: NPCI's biometric authentication, no need for PIN and OTP, payments made easy National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with RBI, has brought a historic change in UPI payments, eliminating the need for mobile phone, PIN, or OTP. From October 8, 2025, users will be able to reset PIN or make payments with a facial scan or fingerprint, which will make the digital economy more secure and convenient. This initiative is an important part of the 'Digital India' movement, which will increase the financial freedom of the common man. Details of the change NPCI introduced the UPI 2.0 update, in which biometric authentication linked to Aadhaar has been made mandatory. Now the worry of forgetting PIN or not having a card is over, as instant authentication will be possible with a fingerprint or facial scan. This facility is part of the 'Digital Insurance' scheme announced in the 2025 Budget, which will benefit 50 crore users. Benefits and Impacts Ease: Payments through biometrics instead of PIN/OTP, which will bring convenience to the elderly and rural areas. Secure: Risk of fraud reduced due to biometrics, which caused a loss of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2024. Inclusion: 300 million cardless users will be able to use UPI, which will bring 2% growth in GDP. Experts say that this change will increase digital payments by 80% by 2026, but there is a need for stricter privacy laws. “This change is a step towards realizing the dream of Digital India.” — NPCI Chairman References The Hindu Business Line, India Today, Times of India, Business Standard, Express, X Post