New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is considering issuing Aadhaar cards having only the holder’s photo and a QR code. The UIDAI is considering the initiative to prevent exploitation of personal data and discourage offline verification practices.

In an open online conference about a new Aadhaar app, UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar said, “There is a thought process as to why there should be any detail on the card. It should be only a photo and a QR code.” He added, “If we keep printing, then people will keep accepting what is printed. People who know how to misuse it will keep misusing it.”

According to Kumar, the authority is planning to implement a rule in December that will enhance age verification processes and prohibit offline verification by hotels, event organizers and others.

According to Kumar, legislation was being drafted to discourage offline verification using physical copies. The Aadhaar authority will review the proposal on December 1.

Kumar said, “Aadhaar should never be used as a document. It should only be authenticated with the Aadhaar number or verified using the QR code. Otherwise, it can be a fake document.”

Currently, the Aadhaar Act forbids the collection, use or storage of an Aadhaar number or biometric information for offline verification. However, several entities continue to maintain duplicates of Aadhaar cards.

Offline verification using the Aadhaar App would offer both users and entities a secure, convenient and privacy-protecting method for identity verification and discourage sharing and reliance on physical or photocopies of Aadhaar, which otherwise is a possible reason for potential fraudulent practices, Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said on Wednesday.  

Addressing an informative webinar on ‘Offline Verification using the Aadhaar App’, ahead of the formal launch of the new Aadhaar App, Kumar said that the objective of the webinar — to promote Offline Verification, build a strong ecosystem around it and spread awareness about the features, benefits, and potential of offline Aadhaar verification through the forthcoming Aadhaar App.

UIDAI gave a detailed overview of the advantages offered by offline verification. Meanwhile, Vivek Chandra Verma, DDG, UIDAI, explained the purpose, scope, and practical usage of offline verification.

The session also covered in detail the technical framework, integration pathways, and future-ready nature of the verification process.

Participants were also given a detailed overview of the advantages offered by offline verification, like the option to verify and share complete or selective Aadhaar information and the ability to confirm proof of presence through offline face verification.

UIDAI authorities underlined multiple benefits for Aadhaar Number Holders, like having Aadhaar details of up to five family members in the App; full control over what data of Aadhaar is shared; flexibility to disclose complete or selective Aadhaar information, one-click biometric lock/unlock for enhanced security and features like hassle-free mobile number and address update options.

With IANS Inputs

Last Updated:November 20, 2025, 12:44 IST

Zydus Lifesciences has appointed three investment banks as advisers as it prepares to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through QIP

Zydus Lifesciences (formerly Cadila Lifesciences) has appointed three investment banks as advisers as it prepares to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), Moneycontrol reported, quoting industry sources.

According to the sources, the company aims to pare debt and pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities, particularly in its US specialty business.

“Jefferies, JP Morgan and IIFL Capital have been picked for the proposed capital raise,” one of the persons told Moneycontrol.

A second source confirmed the advisory syndicate and added that the QIP could be launched by the end of December or in early 2026, depending on market conditions.

During the Q25Y26 post-results earnings call, Zydus Lifesciences Managing Director Dr Sharvil Patel elaborated on the rationale behind the capital raise.

“So, the key objective is to deleverage our balance sheet by reducing our existing debt. Also, there are strategic moves which will enhance our financial ability and agility to strengthen our capital structure, positioning us better for future growth. The board has approved the enabling QIP resolution to allow us the flexibility to tap capital markets when required. More importantly, we have opportunities to look at the US specialty business and scale it up beyond Saroglitazar,” Patel said.

Saroglitazar is a liver disease drug for which Zydus plans to submit a US regulatory application in the first quarter of 2026, as per reports.

Patel further added, “There are opportunities in the international market, specifically Europe, and we are also evaluating innovative assets. The capital raise will give us the capability to execute on some of these.”

Zydus Lifesciences: Focus on reducing debt

On its net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, Patel noted: “Without any acquisition, we don’t want to cross one time, and for a short period we can go up to two times and then reduce net debt back to one time. That’s the range of spend we will look at.”

For FY25–26, the company reported revenues of Rs 15,116 crore and a net profit of Rs 5,774 crore, according to exchange filings.

A September 9 report by Crisil stated: “Gross debt stood at Rs 3,213 crore as of March 31, 2025 (Rs 804 crore as of March 31, 2024), on account of higher working capital requirements. Liquidity was superior at Rs 5,681 crore as of March 31, 2025.”

Crisil also noted: “Crisil Ratings expects the business risk profile of Zydus Life to continue improving, supported by double-digit revenue growth this fiscal and the next, led by continued traction in domestic and international markets, ramp-up in sales of new chemical entities and biosimilars, and benefits from recent acquisitions. The company is expected to sustain healthy operating margins of 25–26%, leading to higher cash accrual.”

Zydus Lifesciences: M&A strategy

Earlier this year, the company strengthened its medical technology portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in a French asset for around Rs 2,450 crore.

On March 11, Zydus Lifesciences said it had entered exclusive negotiations to acquire an 85.6 percent controlling stake in France-based Amplitude Surgical SA, a leading medical technology player specialising in lower-limb orthopaedic solutions.

In the consumer wellness segment, Zydus Wellness, a subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences, acquired the UK-based Comfort Click Limited (CCL), one of the fastest-growing digital consumer healthcare platforms in the vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) space, which derives most of its revenue from e-commerce and D2C channels.

Aparna Deb

Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More

Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More

Read More

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Thursday. While Nifty50 was near 26,100, BSE Sensex was up over 150 points. At 9:18 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,095.80, up 43 points or 0.17%. BSE Sensex was at 85,346.62, up 160 points or 0.19%.Market experts anticipate a steady upward trajectory, whilst maintaining caution as global economic data emerges and markets await the completion of the first phase of the India-US trade agreement.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “The bullish trend in the market is likely to sustain aided by positive triggers. At the fundamental level the picture of ‘strong macros but weak micros’ at the beginning of the year is changing to ‘ strong macros and improving micros’. This fundamental support is aided by the change in perception towards India by leading global banks who now consider India fairly valued and buyable in the context of a resilient economy and improving corporate earnings. The weakening AI trade is another positive for India which can be regarded as an anti-AI trade. FIIs turning buyers in the cash market yesterday is a reflection of this changing perception towards India.” “In the market, this is likely to manifest in preference for and outperformance of largecaps, particularly over small caps whose valuations are hard to justify even after the correction. Bank Nifty, despite the recent run up, has more room to rally since fundamentals and valuations are supportive.”Asian equities moved higher, with the Nikkei 225 advancing 3.7% whilst South Korea’s Kospi, leading the AI sector and amongst this year’s best performers, rose 2.5%. Bitcoin traded above $92,000 amidst improved market sentiment.US equities concluded a volatile session with gains on Wednesday, recovering from recent declines as technology shares advanced prior to Nvidia’s earnings report.Foreign portfolio investors purchased shares worth Rs 1,580 crore net on Wednesday. Domestic institutional investors were net buyers, investing Rs 1360 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)